A book of secrets
Michael Holroyd
A book of secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Illegitimate Daughters, Absent Fathers
by Michael Holroyd
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Who were the secret women behind some of history's most famous men? Imagine discovering stories of hidden friendships, mysterious muses, and the quiet power of women who changed the course of art and life. What secrets will unfold when these untold tales come to light?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the lives of lesser-known women who influenced notable historical figures, revealing complex family dynamics and social roles. Aimed at ages 9-12, the book touches on mature themes such as relationships outside marriage and family secrets, presented in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. Parents should note the nuanced portrayal of adult relationships and historical context.
Why we rated A book of secrets 11MS
A book of secrets is written at a Level 6 reading level across 258 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A book of secrets works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A book of secrets as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A book of secrets explores family, historical, coming of age, multicultural, and gifted women — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, historical, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374115586
- Pages
- 258
- Publisher
- Farrar Straus & Giroux
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Nonfiction