Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Cool Kids Don't Cry

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Cool Kids Don't Cry

2012

Tough prime school girl Akkie loves soccer and can be a real bully. Love is the only thing she's scared of. When Akkie is diagnosed with leukemia, she has to fight for her life. On the verge of going to high school, Akkie has to allow love to enter her life, and thus gain courage to accept the inevitable.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The central plot involves a terminal leukemia diagnosis and the inevitable death of the protagonist.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The available evidence suggests, at most, mild school-age insults or language; no strong profanity or slurs are indicated.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teenage romance and allowing love into her life are important elements, alongside the illness storyline.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The fear comes from the medical situation and the threat of death, which can be frightening for children.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Contains some light school-age scuffles and physical play related to soccer, but nothing serious.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows immense courage in the face of her health battle.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

The story may encourage emotional coping and personal growth, but the supplied evidence does not show much imaginative or inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

A school setting likely includes some variety among students, but the supplied material does not establish substantial, well-developed representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the experience of childhood illness and empathy for others.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and community support are core pillars of the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on resilience, kindness, the value of friendship, and facing difficult truths with bravery.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate admirable strength and support for one another during a crisis.

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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 Cool Kids Don't Cry would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Cool Kids Don't Cry, 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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