Girl in the Blue Coat — Content Guide for Parents

Frequently asked questions

• Is Girl in the Blue Coat appropriate for a 7-year-old?

  The narrative includes harrowing scenes of trying to avoid detection by the Nazis and mentions deaths by gunshot due to a mission gone wrong. This violence is depicted as part of the broader context of the war. The book contains painful and disturbing passages that reveal the horrors of what occurred in Nazi-occupied territories, which may be unsettling for younger readers.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have violence?

  The narrative includes harrowing scenes of trying to avoid detection by the Nazis and mentions deaths by gunshot due to a mission gone wrong. This violence is depicted as part of the broader context of the war.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have scary content?

  The book contains painful and disturbing passages that reveal the horrors of what occurred in Nazi-occupied territories, which may be unsettling for younger readers.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have religious themes?

  No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative of the book.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have racial/cultural content?

  The story addresses the experiences of Jewish characters during the Holocaust, but critiques suggest that their narratives are filtered through the protagonist's perspective, which may diminish their own agency in the story.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have profanity?

  There are infrequent curse words in Dutch mentioned in the narrative, but they are not a significant aspect of the book.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have climate change?

  No themes related to climate or environmental issues are present in the narrative.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have sexual identity?

  The book features a romantic storyline that includes passionate kisses and a character's sexuality, which some readers found abrupt and unsatisfying. However, the sexual content is not explicit.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have gender roles?

  The book explores various gender roles through the actions of its female protagonist and other characters, including a young woman who marries a Nazi for personal gain and the roles of women in resistance efforts.

• Does Girl in the Blue Coat have lgbtq+ themes?

  The book includes a brief mention of a forbidden gay relationship and a politically scandalous marriage between a Dutch young woman and a Nazi officer. These elements are not central to the plot but are acknowledged within the narrative context.