An actual life

Abigail Thomas

Cover of An actual life

An actual life

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Abigail Thomas

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Set in 1960s New Jersey, two young newlyweds face the challenges of early parenthood, money troubles, and discovering what it means to grow up together. As they navigate their unexpected journey, they learn about love, responsibility, and the power of sticking together through tough times.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include teenage pregnancy, financial hardship, family change. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Teenage Pregnancy Financial Hardship Family Change
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

236 pages
60,615 words
6h 44m read-aloud
ISBN
1565121333
Pages
236
Publisher
Algonquin Books
Published
1996
Type
Fiction
Word Count
60,615
Read-Aloud
~6h 44m
Text Density
Dense

Genres

Subjects

Married PeopleTeenage MothersNew Jersey