A taxonomy of love
Rachael Allen
A taxonomy of love
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rachael Allen
The text is written at a 7th 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
The warm scent of pine fills the air as Spencer and Hope climb higher into their favorite tree, the world stretching out below them like a secret waiting to be discovered. Their laughter echoes through the summer sunshine, a perfect moment that feels like magic. But as seasons change, so do their feelings, and Spencer wonders if friendship can ever be simple when hearts start to tangle.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the evolving friendship between Spencer, a boy with Tourette syndrome, and Hope, as they navigate the complexities of growing up. It sensitively addresses themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the challenges of understanding changing relationships. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story offers a heartfelt look at identity and belonging without intense conflict or mature content.
Why we rated A taxonomy of love 12ME
A taxonomy of love is written at a Level 7 reading level across 330 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A taxonomy of love works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate A taxonomy of love as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, A taxonomy of love explores friendship, family, coming of age, and disability representation — 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 friendship, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781419725418
- Pages
- 330
- Publisher
- Amulet Books
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction