Dickens & Rumi
Cover of That's What I Am

film

That's What I Am

2011

A coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol, a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains themes of bullying, physical threats, social prejudice, and emotional conflicts appropriate for middle schoolers and up. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

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What’s in it?

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes occasional instances of name-calling and bullying-related language.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

A rumor that a teacher is homosexual drives an important plot conflict and exposes prejudice, though it is not the young protagonists' romance.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Andy has a crush, asks Mary to go steady, and she accepts; romance is a secondary coming-of-age element.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Bullying, threats, fear of humiliation, and a possible school fight create moderate tension for young viewers.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Involves rumors and discussions about sexual orientation.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

A bully threatens to beat Andy and kill him; Andy kicks the bully in the groin to stop him from attacking Stanley.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Andy overcomes fear of ridicule, defends Stanley, confronts a bully, and supports a teacher targeted by prejudice.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages self-expression and individual identity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story gives meaningful attention to a socially rejected student and a teacher targeted by homophobic prejudice, though broader representation is limited.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers historical context regarding 1960s social attitudes.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, inclusion, supporting Stanley's performance, helping Norman attend, and honoring the departing teacher are central positive actions.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story strongly supports empathy, resisting bullying and prejudice, accepting differences, and choosing courage over fear of ridicule.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Andy develops loyalty and courage, classmates support a teacher, and characters learn to stand up for vulnerable peers, despite some poor choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in That's What I Am would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in That's What I Am, and what caused that change?
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