Dickens & Rumi
Cover of ZEROES

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ZEROES

Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti

Six teenage mutant superheroes reunite to thwart drug-pushing mobsters. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen protagonists face dangerous criminal conflicts, threats, violence, emotional trauma, and morally complex choices. Romance and language are present but not the main focus. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death is constant, and some characters face loss or lethal danger.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries resulting from psychic manifestations or combat, but not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Moderate use of teen-appropriate swearing and occasional harsh language fitting the gritty urban setting.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA characters as part of the ensemble’s broader diversity; identity is present but not a main focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains teen romantic entanglements and emotional connections that drive character development.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Features tense, suspenseful scenarios and the feeling of being hunted by powerful, threatening entities.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Features some teenage crushes and suggestive conversation, but lacks explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional background references to substance use, but it is not a primary focus.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of psychic-driven action, physical confrontations, and dangerous situations involving criminal gangs.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters consistently show bravery while facing formidable odds and their own internal fears.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The unique way the authors conceptualize and balance the disparate psychic abilities is highly imaginative.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are portrayed as a diverse group with varied backgrounds and internal motivations.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into group dynamics and communication under extreme stress.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are essential to the group's survival and growth as a unit.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of personal agency, collective responsibility, and the moral weight of special powers.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display resilience and loyalty, though they are flawed and make complex moral choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in ZEROES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in ZEROES, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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