Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PERMANENT RECORD

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PERMANENT RECORD

Mary H. K. Choi

A chance encounter between a college dropout and a pop star turns into a budding romance. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Recommended for older teens because of sexual situations, strong language, substance use, mental-health struggles, financial stress and emotionally complicated relationships. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Sexual content & nudity3/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

References to pop culture and brands are used to establish setting, not for product placement.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is not a central plot point but may be mentioned in character background.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of moderate profanity and casual slang typical of urban settings.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Inclusive of modern social dynamics, though not the primary focus of the story.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The relationship between Pablo and Leanna is central, with dating, attraction, kissing and emotionally complicated romance.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Atmosphere of anxiety and emotional distress, not horror or traditional scary elements.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Implied sexual encounters and discussions of sexual relationships appropriate for a young adult novel.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Characters engage in recreational drug and alcohol use as part of the social environment.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

No significant physical violence is central to the story.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Courage is depicted as the act of being honest with oneself and confronting personal problems.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Explores artistic expression and the challenge of maintaining identity in a digital-first world.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The novel centers Korean American and biracial perspectives and explores culture, class, family and identity with substantial nuance.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into modern social issues like gig-work and social media influence.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters ultimately seek and offer support to one another amidst personal struggles.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes self-knowledge, communication, accountability, mental-health care and resisting other people's expectations.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists are deeply flawed and relatable, showing both good and poor choices in their personal growth.

Family discussion

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in PERMANENT RECORD would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PERMANENT RECORD, 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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