Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN

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THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN

Age rating, content warnings & parent guide

Tess Sharpe

Is THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN appropriate for your child? See the reviewed age guidance, content cautions, positive themes, and supporting evidence below.

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN by Tess Sharpe. This book is recommended for ages 15+; content notes include Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The story includes a bank hostage crisis, threats, violence, criminal activity, family abuse, trauma, sexual references, and emotionally intense danger, though it also emphasizes resilience and identity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceAges 15+
Strongest cautionsFrightening scenes 4/5 · LGBTQIA characters 4/5 · Violence 4/5
Strongest positivesCourage & resilience 4/5 · Creativity & curiosity 3/5
Recommendation3.3/5

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

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

Quick context

What parents should know

The story includes a bank hostage crisis, threats, violence, criminal activity, family abuse, trauma, sexual references, and emotionally intense danger, though it also emphasizes resilience and identity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 15+Main watch-out: Frightening scenes 4/5
Recommendation 3.3/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
16Scored categories
16Evidence 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.

How ratings workReport a rating or series issue
Review depth16 scored categories16 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

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What should you do next?

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Lower cautionsTry something gentlerLIGHTLARK SAGAOpen review →Similar fitCompare another titleTHE AURORA CYCLECompare →Keep browsingSearch for another bookUse age, interests, vibe, or content preferences.Search →

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LIGHTLARK SAGAAlex AsterAges 14+8 points lighter on published cautionsBOOKThe SingingAlison Croggon · 2008Ages 13+7 points lighter on published cautionsHADESAlexandra AdornettoAges 14+6 points lighter on published cautionsHALOAlexandra AdornettoAges 13+6 points lighter on published cautions

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of past deaths and the threat of death during the present robbery.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to injuries; no graphic descriptions of blood or bodily harm.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild to moderate profanity used in high-stress situations.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's bisexual identity and a same-gender romantic relationship are important, affirming parts of the narrative.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A significant romantic relationship and attraction are part of the protagonist's emotional life, alongside trust and identity questions.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A sustained hostage situation, armed criminals, pursuit, coercion, and danger to teenagers create considerable tension and fear.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Some discussion of romantic feelings, but no graphic or explicit sexual scenes.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Very minor or incidental references.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Hostage-taking, threats, weapons, physical fights, and violence are central to the thriller plot, though not presented as nonstop graphic action.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters confront armed danger, coercion, traumatic memories, and controlling adults with substantial bravery and resourcefulness.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist uses deception, observation, improvisation, and strategic thinking to survive and solve problems under pressure.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The novel gives meaningful agency to queer characters and explores varied family and relationship experiences rather than treating identity as a problem.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the dynamics of manipulation and survival.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care, loyalty, and mutual support matter, especially as characters protect one another and challenge abusive relationships.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Key themes include self-definition, consent, trust, healing from abuse, resisting manipulation, and choosing one's own future.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters make risky and morally complicated choices, but the protagonist shows resourcefulness, loyalty, and growing self-determination.

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 THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

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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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