Dickens & Rumi
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LEVIATHAN

Scott Westerfeld

A round-the-world quest, aboard an airship, to end World War I. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? War, death, peril, discrimination and emotionally intense scenes may challenge younger readers; the prose and themes suit many middle-grade-to-teen readers around 12 and up. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters die in battle, though main protagonists are mostly spared; the loss of life is treated with appropriate gravity.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries, but they are not excessively graphic or lingered upon.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild occasional language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Deryn's cross-dressing and gender-defying role add subtle depth to her character identity.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Mild developing crush between the protagonists, kept very subtle and age-appropriate.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Air battles, pursuit, threatening creatures, explosions and wartime peril create sustained tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant depiction of drug or alcohol use.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

War and military conflict are central, with battles, weapons, attacks, injuries and characters in repeated danger.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing danger, injustice and war while protecting others is a central part of the protagonists' development.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly inventive steampunk and biological world-building.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The book explores gender expectations, class and national divisions, with characters crossing social boundaries and challenging assumptions.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Its alternate-history setting can prompt interest in World War I, technology, politics and how history might differ, though teaching is incidental.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are key to the growing relationship between the two main characters from opposing sides.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes loyalty, cooperation across divisions, questioning prejudice, personal responsibility and the human cost of war.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Young protagonists show ingenuity, resilience, loyalty and courage, while also making understandable mistakes under pressure.

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 did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in LEVIATHAN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LEVIATHAN, 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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