Dickens & Rumi

book

Making the list

Michael Korda · 2001

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Making the list by Michael Korda. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Products & advertising, Alcohol or drugs, Death of a character; positive qualities include Educational value, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The subject matter is intellectually mature and assumes sustained reading knowledge of publishing and literary history; it is not primarily age-inappropriate for younger readers, but may be difficult for children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Educational value4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

Commercial publishing, marketing, sales, publicity, and bestseller competition are central subjects, though it is not a child-directed buying pitch.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is not a central theme or occurrence.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language is appropriate for a standard non-fiction book.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a focus.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of social or professional relationships might occur.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Casual mentions of adult social settings may occur.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

Not a primary theme of the book.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

It highlights authorship, editorial invention, storytelling, and the creative forces behind commercially successful books.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Covers a historical industry that may lack inherent diversity in its earlier periods.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

Its main purpose is to provide cultural and publishing history, explaining how bestseller lists and popular literary reputations developed.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

It encourages critical thinking about popularity, cultural influence, publishing power, and how commercial success is constructed.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the work of professionals in the publishing industry.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in Making the list would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Making the list, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereMaking the list
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating