Dickens & Rumi

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Jasper Jones

Craig Silvey · 2009

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Sexual content & nudity; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Sexual content & nudity4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

A central plot point is the death of a young girl by suicide following trauma; past character deaths are also mentioned.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Features the discovery of a deceased girl who was beaten, though it is not gratuitous in its description.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains period-appropriate language and racial slurs used to reflect the bigotry of the setting.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of community values and norms that are indirectly shaped by the cultural context of the era.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist navigates a budding relationship with a peer.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Disturbing material includes a beaten corpse hanging from a tree, suicide by hanging, sexual abuse, police intimidation, threats, and a house fire; suspense and danger are sustained.

Sexual content & nudity4/5
Why this rating?

The narrative includes references to sexual assault and an extramarital affair between adults.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Some incidental social drinking or smoking may be present, reflective of the era.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of a dead body and a past sexual assault, as well as bullying and tensions in the town.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist must find the courage to confront harsh truths and social ostracization.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking about social structures and perspective-taking.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Deals heavily with the treatment of Aboriginal and Vietnamese characters, showcasing their struggles against systemic racism.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into Australian history, specifically racial prejudice and social dynamics in the 1960s.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, protection, and empathy are important, especially among Charlie, Jeffrey, Eliza, and Jasper, amid considerable cruelty.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding the importance of integrity, empathy, and challenging systemic injustice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Charlie, Jeffrey, Eliza, and Jasper show loyalty and courage, but some choices—hiding a body, deception, and reckless acts—are morally troubling.

Family discussion

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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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Jasper Jones would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Jasper Jones, and what caused that change?
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