Rumble — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Matthew Turner knows it doesn t get better.
His younger brother Luke was bullied mercilessly after one of Matt s friends outed Luke to the whole school, and when Luke called Matt on the brink of suicide Matt was too wrapped up in his new girlfriend to answer the phone. Now Luke is gone, and Matt s family is falling apart.
No matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about forgiveness, there s no way Matt s letting those he blames off the hook including himself. As Matt spirals further into bitterness, he risks losing Hayden, the love of his life. But when her father begins to pressure the school board into banning books because of their homosexual content, he begins to wonder if he and Hayden ever had anything in common.
With brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance, bestselling author Ellen Hopkins s "Rumble "explores bullying and suicide in a powerful story that examines the value of forgiveness and reconciliation."
Frequently asked questions
Is Rumble appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes themes of suicide, as the protagonist discovers his brother's body after he has taken his own life. The narrative also touches on bullying and the emotional violence associated with it, particularly in relation to the brother's experiences. The book addresses dark themes such as suicide and bullying, which may be considered scary or distressing for younger readers. The protagonist's discovery of his brother's body is a particularly intense moment.
Does Rumble have violence?
The book includes themes of suicide, as the protagonist discovers his brother's body after he has taken his own life. The narrative also touches on bullying and the emotional violence associated with it, particularly in relation to the brother's experiences.
Does Rumble have scary content?
The book addresses dark themes such as suicide and bullying, which may be considered scary or distressing for younger readers. The protagonist's discovery of his brother's body is a particularly intense moment.
Does Rumble have religious themes?
The narrative critiques Christian fundamentalism, particularly how it is portrayed through bullying and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals. The protagonist grapples with his brother's suicide and the role of religion in that context, specifically targeting Evangelical Christianity.
Does Rumble have racial/cultural content?
No explicit themes of racism or racial dynamics against real-world racial/ethnic groups were detected in the search results.
Does Rumble have profanity?
The protagonist is depicted as using profanity frequently, particularly in social situations such as parties. This language is part of the character's expression of anger and frustration.
Does Rumble have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions were found in the search results.
Does Rumble have sexual identity?
The book contains fairly graphic sexual scenes, including descriptions of oral sex. This aspect is noted as significant in the context of the characters' experiences and relationships.
Does Rumble have gender roles?
No specific themes regarding traditional gender roles or modern feminism were identified in the search results.
Does Rumble have lgbtq+ themes?
The book 'Rumble' addresses themes of homosexuality and the impact of religion on LGBTQ+ identities, particularly through the protagonist's anger towards Evangelical Christians who bullied his brother for being gay. This framing highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a religious context.
