A matter of trust
Anne E. Schraff
A matter of trust
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anne E. Schraff
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Darcy is caught in a fierce battle over friendship and trust that could change everything. Jealousy and secrets pull her and Brisana apart, while Darcy worries about her family's future. What will Darcy risk to hold onto what matters most?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores complex themes of friendship, jealousy, and family challenges through the eyes of an African American teenager navigating high school life. It offers an honest look at interpersonal conflicts and the anxieties surrounding family stability, appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the emotional depth and social dynamics portrayed, which provide meaningful discussion opportunities.
Why we rated A matter of trust 9ME
A matter of trust is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 126 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A matter of trust works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A matter of trust as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, A matter of trust explores friendship, family, coming of age, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 friendship, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0439865476
- Pages
- 126
- Publisher
- Scholastic Incorporated
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction