All Those Secrets of the World
Jane Yolen
All Those Secrets of the World
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Leslie Baker
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
What happens when someone you love has to go far away for a very long time? Janie and her family move to a new place by the water, where she discovers a special secret about the world that helps her feel closer to her dad. But will this secret be enough to fill the empty space he left behind?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gentle story follows young Janie as she copes with her father's absence due to war, finding comfort and understanding through a meaningful discovery while staying with her grandparents by the Chesapeake Bay. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it sensitively explores themes of family separation and resilience without graphic content.
Why we rated All Those Secrets of the World 6LE
All Those Secrets of the World is written at a Level 1-2 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, All Those Secrets of the World works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate All Those Secrets of the World as 6LE ("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, All Those Secrets of the World explores family, fathers and daughters, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, fathers and daughters, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — 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
Father's House
Larche Davies
Father's House
Larche Davies
World of Secrets
Theresa Gage
World of Secrets
Theresa Gage
Wild Song
Jane Eagland
Wild Song
Jane Eagland
Secrets
Deborah Aydt
Secrets
Deborah Aydt
Daughter of the Sea (Galaxy Children's Large Print)
Berlie Doherty
Daughter of the Sea (Galaxy Children's Large Print)
Berlie Doherty
Beyond Molasses creek
Nicole Seitz
Beyond Molasses creek
Nicole Seitz
Details
- ISBN
- 9780785711513
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction