Dickens & Rumi
Cover of POPULAR

book

POPULAR

Maya Van Wagenen

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for POPULAR by Maya Van Wagenen. This book is recommended for ages 12+; content notes include Products & advertising, Romance, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The book contains authentic reflections on high school bullying, insecurities, body image, and mild language appropriate for middle schoolers and up. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising2/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The premise involves trying advice from a vintage popularity guide and discussing fashion, grooming, and social presentation, but it is not a buying-focused book.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild teen slang and infrequent mild profanity.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Typical high school crushes and dating situations are mentioned.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No frightening content.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

There is no physical violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The author shows courage in putting herself in vulnerable social situations.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Shows the creativity of designing a unique social experiment.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the diverse student body of the author's specific school environment.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers insight into adolescent social dynamics, historical expectations for girls, self-image, and interpersonal skills rather than formal academic instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, inclusion, listening, and treating classmates thoughtfully are important lessons, especially in response to exclusion and bullying.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages favor empathy, self-awareness, friendship, resilience, and questioning outdated rules rather than changing oneself solely for approval.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows growth, bravery, and self-reflection.

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. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in POPULAR would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in POPULAR, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re herePOPULAR
The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+The Dangerous GiftTui T. Sutherland · 2020Ages 12+Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Red Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1890Ages 14+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating