Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PAST PRESENT FUTURE

book

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

Age rating, content warnings & parent guide

Rachel Lynn Solomon

Is PAST PRESENT FUTURE appropriate for your child? See the reviewed age guidance, content cautions, positive themes, and supporting evidence below.

Rowan and Neil struggle with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because romance, sexual/relationship discussion, identity questions, and emotional complexity are central; content appears non-graphic and generally appropriate for mature younger teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Where to get it

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceAges 14+
Strongest cautionsRomance 5/5 · LGBTQIA characters 3/5 · Religious themes 2/5
Strongest positivesPositive messages 4/5 · Courage & resilience 3/5
Recommendation3.3/5

Positive messages; strongest caution: romance.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Best suited to teens because romance, sexual/relationship discussion, identity questions, and emotional complexity are central; content appears non-graphic and generally appropriate for mature younger teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Positive messages; strongest caution: romance.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 14+Main watch-out: Romance 5/5
Recommendation 3.3/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
13Scored categories
13Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Oct 22, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

Review depth13 scored categories13 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance5/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Religious themes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

Keep going

What should you do next?

One review should lead naturally to the next useful choice.

What’s in it?

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild teen profanity.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA identity and/or relationships have meaningful representation in the character and relationship arcs.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Jewish identity and cultural or religious experiences are meaningfully present, without being the sole focus.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

Romantic attraction and relationship development drive the story, with dating and emotionally important choices central to the characters' experiences.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Mild references typical of teen dating.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor references to parties with teen drinking.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display emotional courage in their social lives.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages personal writing and self-expression.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The book includes meaningful LGBTQIA and Jewish representation, with identity treated as part of rounded character development.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on communication and social dynamics.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Positive relationships and empathy are encouraged.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes honest communication, self-knowledge, respecting boundaries, and making thoughtful choices in relationships.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters are imperfect but capable of reflection, accountability, emotional honesty, and growth.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in PAST PRESENT FUTURE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PAST PRESENT FUTURE, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

Community signal

Community ratings and written reactions are a separate layer. They do not automatically change Dickens & Rumi’s official age guidance or content scores.

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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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