Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER

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THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER

Emily X.R. Pan

A girl searches for her mother, whom she believes turned into a bird after committing suicide. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel centrally addresses suicide, depression, grief, trauma, insomnia, family conflict, and death through emotionally complex magical realism. Romantic content is comparatively mild, but the subject matter warrants mature teen guidance. 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 character5/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Religious themes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The central catalyst is the mother's suicide; the story is deeply preoccupied with grief, loss, and the process of mourning.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language typical of young adult contemporary fiction.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Incorporates elements of Taiwanese traditional cultural/spiritual practices, specifically related to Ghost Month and ritual offerings.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features a complex, budding romantic tension and friendship between the protagonist and her best friend.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Ghosts, a supernatural red bird, unsettling memories, dreamlike cracks, and death-related themes may feel eerie, but the story is not centered on frightening danger.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Includes a non-explicit, emotionally charged kiss.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No notable use of drugs or alcohol.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Leigh faces suicide-related grief, family estrangement, frightening memories, and cultural disconnection while pursuing understanding and healing.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on the transformative power of art and creative visualization.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features a biracial protagonist navigating her Asian-American heritage and identity.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the experience of biracial identity and Taiwanese cultural heritage.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members and friends provide care despite conflict; Leigh recognizes harm, apologizes, and works toward reconnection.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Powerful exploration of grief, the importance of communication, artistic expression, and intergenerational healing.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Leigh struggles but shows accountability, apologizes, seeks understanding, reconnects with family, and channels pain into art.

Family discussion

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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 THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER, 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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