Children of Blood and Bone (2017) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie's Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
YA • 2017 • 624 pages • Lexile 670L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)
Children of Blood and Bone is a high-stakes fantasy novel set in a West-African-inspired world that earns its YA rating through frequent, visceral violence and themes of systemic oppression. The story follows Zelie as she attempts to restore magic while avoiding the brutal forces of a king who previously committed genocide against her people. Parents should be aware of graphic torture sequences, scenes of self-immolation, and… Sign up for the full guide
Is Children of Blood and Bone appropriate for kids?
Children of Blood and Bone is a high-stakes fantasy novel set in a West-African-inspired world that earns its YA rating through frequent, visceral violence and themes of systemic oppression. The story follows Zelie as she attempts to restore magic while avoiding the brutal… Read more — free account
Content severity in Children of Blood and Bone
What happens in Children of Blood and Bone, moment by moment
- p. 12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- p. 45 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Children of Blood and Bone
Romance is a subplot, primarily involving tension and shared moments between Zelie and Inan. There are a few instances of kissing and physical closeness, but the book contains no explicit sex scenes or anatomical descriptions. The narrative focuses more on the emotional connection and the conflict of their opposing backgrounds than on physical desire. A scene in a dream-scape involves shared intimacy through a magical connection, but it remains within the bounds of Young Adult expectations. Readers will find the…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Children of Blood and Bone
Violence is frequent and often graphic, serving to illustrate the brutality of King Saran's reign. It includes descriptions of genocide, public executions, and magical combat involving fire and spirits, such as the scene where Kwame self-immolates. A lingering scene of physical torture occurs where a character is branded and carved with a knife. Characters die in brutal ways, including being crushed by waves, burned alive, or stabbed during large-scale skirmishes. The descriptions are visceral, often focusing on…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Children of Blood and Bone
Strong profanity is largely absent, though there are minor insults and fantasy-based derogatory terms (e.g., 'maggot' used against the divîners). The language is appropriate for the middle-to-upper YA tier.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Children of Blood and Bone
Substance use is minimal and restricted to adult characters, maintaining a focus on the characters' quest. Characters are seen drinking palm wine and similar spirits during celebrations or in moments of stress, particularly at the marketplace or village festivals. Intoxication is not a focus, and there is no mention of illicit drug use or addiction. The drinking is portrayed as a culturally specific social activity or a way for older characters to cope with the harsh reality of their lives. Overall, the impact of…
Read more — free accountMature themes in Children of Blood and Bone
The narrative heavily explores systemic racism, police brutality, and the aftermath of genocide. Themes of grief, betrayal by family members, and the ethics of revolutionary violence are central to the plot as Zelie and Tzain grapple with the loss of their mother. The book asks difficult questions about whether peace is possible without total destruction of the oppressor. Characters frequently discuss the burden of heritage and the trauma of living under a regime that views them as subhuman. The psychological…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is Children of Blood and Bone appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Children of Blood and Bone is best for ages 14+. Children of Blood and Bone is a high-stakes fantasy novel set in a West-African-inspired world that earns its YA rating through frequent, visceral violence and themes of systemic oppression. The story follows Zelie as…
What age rating does Children of Blood and Bone have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. Children of Blood and Bone is published for a YA audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What reading level is Children of Blood and Bone?
Children of Blood and Bone is 624 pages and its reading level is Lexile 670L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Children of Blood and Bone about?
Children of Blood and Bone is a high-stakes fantasy novel set in a West-African-inspired world that earns its YA rating through frequent, visceral violence and themes of systemic oppression. The story follows Zelie as she attempts to restore magic while avoiding the brutal forces of a king who previously committed…
Is there sex or nudity in Children of Blood and Bone?
Romance is a subplot, primarily involving tension and shared moments between Zelie and Inan. There are a few instances of kissing and physical closeness, but the book contains no explicit sex scenes or anatomical descriptions. The narrative focuses more on…
How violent is Children of Blood and Bone?
Violence is frequent and often graphic, serving to illustrate the brutality of King Saran's reign. It includes descriptions of genocide, public executions, and magical combat involving fire and spirits, such as the scene where Kwame self-immolates. A…
Is the language in Children of Blood and Bone appropriate for kids?
Strong profanity is largely absent, though there are minor insults and fantasy-based derogatory terms (e.g., 'maggot' used against the divîners). The language is appropriate for the middle-to-upper YA tier.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Children of Blood and Bone?
Substance use is minimal and restricted to adult characters, maintaining a focus on the characters' quest. Characters are seen drinking palm wine and similar spirits during celebrations or in moments of stress, particularly at the marketplace or village…
What mature themes appear in Children of Blood and Bone?
The narrative heavily explores systemic racism, police brutality, and the aftermath of genocide. Themes of grief, betrayal by family members, and the ethics of revolutionary violence are central to the plot as Zelie and Tzain grapple with the loss of their…
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