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NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES

Name: NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES
Author: Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas

Nic and two friends hunt for a powerful magic tool to save her father from imprisonment. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Accessible middle-grade prose with fantasy peril, frightening antagonists, prejudice, family conflict, and emotionally tense scenes; suitable for many mature readers around 9+, depending on sensitivity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

Frightening scenes3/5
Violence3/5
Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience4/5
Creativity & curiosity4/5
Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5

Why this rating?

The weight of past losses and family history is present, but not depicted graphically.

Graphic injury1/5

Why this rating?

No graphic gore or detailed depictions of injuries.

Strong language1/5

Why this rating?

Occasional mild language typical of the age group.

LGBTQIA characters1/5

Why this rating?

Features inclusive representation of identity consistent with modern YA/MG literature.

Religious themes1/5

Why this rating?

Religious themes are not central.

Romance1/5

Why this rating?

Romance is not a primary focus; focus is on friendship and family.

Frightening scenes3/5

Why this rating?

Magic, dangerous enemies, threats to children and families, suspense, and frightening situations create moderate tension.

Violence3/5

Why this rating?

Fantasy confrontations, magical attacks, threats, and peril occur regularly, but violence is generally adventure-oriented and not graphically described.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5

Why this rating?

The protagonists repeatedly face danger and injustice, showing principled bravery rather than simply seeking excitement.

Creativity & curiosity4/5

Why this rating?

Its inventive magical world, imaginative powers, puzzles, and fantasy adventure strongly encourage curiosity and imaginative thinking.

Diverse representation4/5

Why this rating?

Highly inclusive representation of Black characters and varied identities.

Educational value2/5

Why this rating?

Thematic discussions on history and social responsibility add depth to the fantasy narrative.

Kindness & empathy4/5

Why this rating?

Empathy, mutual support, friendship, and caring for family and community are recurring positive values.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

Strong themes support resisting prejudice, protecting others, valuing family and friendship, and choosing integrity over fear or power.

Good role models4/5

Why this rating?

Young protagonists show loyalty, persistence, compassion, and moral growth, while also learning from mistakes and accepting help.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
Which choice in NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in NIC BLAKE AND THE REMARKABLES, and what caused that change?

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