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The Width of the World

David Baldacci · 2017

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Width of the World by David Baldacci. This book is recommended for ages 13+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 13+Book 3 · Vega Jane SeriesSource checked

Why this age? The novel combines substantial fantasy violence, peril, frightening creatures, death, and complex conspiracies with a relatively demanding series narrative. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death is present, and some characters may perish during the journey.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries may be described, but the content is not overly graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language consistent with young adult adventure fiction.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor romantic undertones and burgeoning relationships between characters.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Sustained suspense, threatening creatures, pursuit, confinement and perilous settings may be genuinely frightening for younger readers, though the fantasy framing limits realism.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant focus on drugs or alcohol use.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy combat, dangerous creatures, and perilous situations typical of an adventure novel.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Courage is a central theme as the characters face unknown and terrifying challenges.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Builds upon an imaginative fantasy world with unique creatures and landscapes.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The fantasy setting offers limited clear representation of varied real-world identities, abilities or backgrounds, with diversity not a notable focus.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides incidental benefits related to character development and thematic exploration.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on friendship and the necessity of mutual support between allies.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, resistance to oppression, moral choice, perseverance, and protecting others despite danger.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows great determination, loyalty, and bravery throughout her journey.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Width of the World would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Width of the World, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereThe Width of the World
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+

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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