A share of Freedom
June Rae Wood
A share of Freedom
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by June Rae Wood
The text is written at a 6th 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
Freedom is not just a name—it's a promise she’s determined to keep. Even with a tough, grumpy mom who drinks too much and a stepbrother who’s always around, Freedom wants to uncover the secret behind her missing dad. What she discovers could change everything about who she is and where she belongs.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges faced by a thirteen-year-old girl named Freedom, who is navigating family struggles including an alcoholic mother and the mystery of her absent father. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story sensitively addresses themes of family complexity and identity without graphic content, making it appropriate for readers ready to engage with emotional family dynamics.
Why we rated A share of Freedom 11ME
A share of Freedom is written at a Level 6 reading level across 255 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A share of Freedom works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A share of Freedom as 11ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Alcoholism, Family Problems.
Thematically, A share of Freedom explores family, identity & self-discovery, alcoholism, brothers and sisters, and unmarried mothers — 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, identity & self-discovery, alcoholism.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0786810858
- Pages
- 255
- Publisher
- Hyperion Books for Children
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction