The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels — Content Guide for Parents
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Content themes
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
“Knives Out feel by way of Lemony Snicket…This archly told, never muddled debut whodunit reveals a roster of distinct characters, a labyrinthine setting and plot, and a mystery that is as clever as its heroine.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The suspenseful denouement is positively writhing with twists.” —Booklist, starred review
On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name, and a definition. A definition it is assumed they will grow up to match.
Meet Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.
Shenanigan is getting ready for the big Swift Family Reunion and plotting her next great scheme: hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile’s long-lost treasure. She’s excited to finally meet her arriving relatives—until one of them gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs.
So what if everyone thinks she’ll never be more than a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can become whatever she wants, even a detective. And she’s determined to follow the twisty clues and catch the killer.
Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, The Swifts is a remarkable debut that is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic. A celebration of words and individuality, it's packed with games, wordplay, and lots and lots of mischief as Shenanigan sets out to save her family and define herself in a world where definitions are so important.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story involves murder and mayhem, including a body found at the bottom of the stairs and a deadly Scrabble duel. The narrative also mentions a character being found dead with an axe in his back, indicating a level of violence appropriate for a middle-grade audience. While the book involves themes of murder and mayhem, it is framed in a comical and quirky manner, making it suitable for middle-grade readers without genuinely frightening content.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have violence?
The story involves murder and mayhem, including a body found at the bottom of the stairs and a deadly Scrabble duel. The narrative also mentions a character being found dead with an axe in his back, indicating a level of violence appropriate for a middle-grade audience.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have scary content?
While the book involves themes of murder and mayhem, it is framed in a comical and quirky manner, making it suitable for middle-grade readers without genuinely frightening content.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on a quirky family reunion and vocabulary rather than any religious themes or practices.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have racial/cultural content?
The narrative features a diverse cast, including characters from different backgrounds, but race is not a central theme or plot point in the story.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have profanity?
The book includes some mild profanity, specifically two instances of religious profanities. This may be considered inappropriate for younger readers, but it is not pervasive throughout the narrative.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have climate change?
No climate themes or environmental issues are present in the book. The focus is on family dynamics and wordplay rather than climate-related topics.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have sexual identity?
No explicit sexual content is mentioned in the book. The focus is on a family reunion and the ensuing chaos rather than any sexual themes.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have gender roles?
The book features a nonbinary character and discusses gender identity, challenging traditional gender roles. The sisters exhibit different aspirations, with one being a scientist and another a fashion designer, indicating a modern approach to gender roles.
Does The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels have lgbtq+ themes?
The book includes nonbinary, trans, and queer characters, promoting an overall message of being true to oneself despite societal pressures. Supporting characters include gay, lesbian, and trans adults, indicating a diverse representation of gender identities.
