A family failing.
Honor Arundel
A family failing.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Honor Arundel
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Sometimes, a summer away can change everything—especially when that summer is spent in a commune filled with new ideas and people. Imagine returning home with a fresh perspective, ready to face family conflicts head-on. This story shows why stepping outside your comfort zone can make all the difference.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores a young girl's personal growth as she spends the summer in a Scottish commune before returning home to navigate family challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book addresses family dynamics in an accessible way without intense conflict, making it appropriate for this age group. Themes of self-discovery and resilience are gently woven throughout.
Why we rated A family failing. 9LE
A family failing. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A family failing. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A family failing. as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A family failing. explores family, coming of age, and self-discovery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Family
Auriana Ojeda
The Family
Auriana Ojeda
A Family to Share
Arlene James
A Family to Share
Arlene James
Family realities
Lucy F. Wold
Family realities
Lucy F. Wold
A member of the family
Susan Scarf Merrell
A member of the family
Susan Scarf Merrell
Changing families
David Fassler
Changing families
David Fassler
Families
Ellenore Angelidis
Families
Ellenore Angelidis
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0840762569
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Thomas Nelson Publishers
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction