Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PANIC

book

PANIC

Lauren Oliver

Two teenagers with different motivations play a high-stakes game.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel contains sustained peril, dangerous stunts, family abuse and alcoholism, threats, grief, and mature emotional themes. Romance and sexual references are limited, but the premise is intense. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Death and grief are important to the plot, including the game’s dangerous origins and consequences.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries sustained during the game challenges.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Moderate use of profanity consistent with contemporary YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Minor representation within the supporting cast.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen attraction, complicated relationships, kissing, and emotional intimacy are recurring parts of the story.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Suspenseful challenges, isolation, threats, heights, and fear of serious injury or death are central to the story.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

There are sexual references and teen intimacy, but no prominent explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol misuse and its effects are part of family hardship; teen partying or substance references may also occur.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face physical challenges and dangerous stunts that result in injuries.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront fear, deprivation, grief, and dangerous situations; the story also distinguishes courage from reckless risk-taking.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The contest’s inventive challenges and the characters’ problem-solving create sustained imaginative tension, though creativity is not the main theme.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast features some diversity in backgrounds and character types.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on decision-making and social pressure.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, loyalty, empathy, and helping others matter, although fear and competition sometimes lead to selfish or harmful choices.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes consequences, accountability, friendship, resilience, and confronting trauma rather than treating reckless danger as harmless fun.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters make serious mistakes but show loyalty, growth, and persistence; some risky decisions make them mixed rather than consistently exemplary role models.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in PANIC would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PANIC, 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 herePANIC
Diamonds are ForeverIan Fleming · 1956Ages 16+Doctor NoIan Fleming · 1958Ages 16+From Russia, with loveIan Fleming · 1957Ages 16+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 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