As we are now
May Sarton
As we are now
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by May Sarton
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Some people think getting old means losing your spark, but this story proves otherwise. An old woman in a quiet nursing home fights to keep her mind sharp and her spirit strong by writing down her deepest thoughts. It shows how bravery isn’t just for heroes—it’s for anyone who refuses to give up.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the emotional journey of an elderly woman placed in a nursing home by her brother. Through her personal notebook, she strives to preserve her dignity and mental clarity, offering a sensitive portrayal of aging and resilience. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book gently handles themes of aging and family relationships without graphic content.
Why we rated As we are now 9ME
As we are now is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 133 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, As we are now works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate As we are now as 9ME ("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, As we are now explores older adults, family relationships, emotional resilience, and fiction — 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 older adults, family relationships, emotional resilience.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780393083729
- Pages
- 133
- Publisher
- New York : Norton
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction