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Cover of MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN

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MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN

Jason Reynolds

The Brooklyn teenager and superhero has his spider sense go off in unexpected ways. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade and teen readers because of superhero peril, racism, incarceration, family stress, and emotionally complex identity themes, though sexual content is minimal. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The superhero property is commercially recognizable, but the novel is not primarily an advertising or product-placement work.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

References to the impact of death and loss typical of a Spider-Man origin story, but no graphic depictions.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features some mild profanity and realistic teenage slang.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Contains incidental LGBTQIA representation through secondary characters and peer interactions.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Faith may appear in Miles’s family or community context, but religious practice and ideas are not prominent or central to the story.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes typical teenage crushes and developing relationships.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Mild tension related to the dangers faced by Miles as a hero, but not intended to be scary.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal mention of substance issues in the context of the environment, not glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Some action sequences involving Spider-Man fighting villains, but it is standard superhero fare without extreme or graphic outcomes.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Miles faces fear, prejudice, pressure, and uncertainty, with courage portrayed as responsibility and persistence rather than mere aggression.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages perspective-taking and imaginative problem-solving in the face of complex social issues.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

A Black and Puerto Rican protagonist anchors a nuanced portrayal of race, culture, family, class, and belonging in contemporary New York.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Incidental insights into urban social dynamics and systemic historical injustices.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, family care, and seeing others as individuals are important parts of the story's moral framework.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address racism, social justice, responsibility, self-acceptance, family, accountability, and resisting harmful assumptions.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Miles is a relatable role model who faces challenges with integrity; his parents provide a grounded home life.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN, 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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