Dickens & Rumi
Cover of GENUINE FRAUD

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GENUINE FRAUD

E. Lockhart

A suspenseful story of two friends told in reverse. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book’s nonlinear structure and themes suit mature teens; murder, suicide-related material, manipulation, danger, substance use and emotionally intense relationships may be unsuitable for younger readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

References to luxury brands exist to establish character status, not as overt marketing.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and murder are important to the story, with emotionally significant consequences and discussion of suicide-related events.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor descriptions of injuries, but not gratuitous or excessive.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild to moderate profanity typical of YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Explores complex relationships between female characters.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic interests exist but are secondary to the thriller elements.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The story includes persistent suspense, identity deception, pursuit, and danger. It may feel unsettling, but it is not primarily a frightening or horror-focused book.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Implied sexual situations consistent with teen contemporary drama.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown drinking alcohol in social settings.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The plot involves assault, threats, dangerous confrontations and murder, with violence central to the thriller but not relentlessly graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters exhibit resilience and determination in pursuit of their goals.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The novel strongly engages imagination through reinvention, elaborate deception, puzzle-like structure and inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse backgrounds for the main characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides no specific educational focus beyond narrative exploration.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is often subverted by the manipulative nature of the plot.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story explores the costs of envy, entitlement, deception and self-invention, while showing how manipulation harms others.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

Characters act in morally ambiguous ways, offering a cautionary look rather than clear role models.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in GENUINE FRAUD would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in GENUINE FRAUD, 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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