A Secret Friend

Marilyn Sachs

Cover of A Secret Friend

A Secret Friend

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Marilyn Sachs

Reading Level 4-5 Gentle (Lvl 1) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Jessica is about to discover that friendship isn't always what it seems. When her best friend drifts away, she learns that winning someone back means understanding more than just their secrets. This journey changes everything about how Jessica sees the people she cares about.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction explores the complexities of friendship through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl named Jessica. As she copes with losing her best friend, the story gently addresses themes of emotional growth and understanding social relationships. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers a thoughtful look at friendship without intense conflict or mature content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 1 — Gentle
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

111 pages
ISBN
9789991575254
Pages
111
Publisher
Scholastic
Published
February 1987
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Friendship