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Content levels
ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
When he finds a strange weathered stone on the beach, thirteen-year-old Steve decides to pretend that it has mysterious powers that can protect him from bullying and can help him impress the gang he wants to join.
Is The Devil's Toenail appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
A middle-grade dark fantasy exploring bullying and peer pressure through the lens of a boy who pretends a stone has magical powers. Touches on themes of deception and the consequences of using lies to gain social acceptance.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include bullying.
Who'll love this
Readers who've dealt with bullying or wanting to fit in will connect with Steve's struggle to find his place and protect himself.
Tags
Contemporary FantasyPsychologicalSchool Story