Be That Way
Hope Larson
Be That Way
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Hope Larson
The text is written at a 6th 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 scratch of a pen on paper fills the quiet room as Christine pours her heart into a diary full of stories and drawings. It's the start of 1996, and she’s determined to be the kind of girl everyone notices—sparkly and unforgettable. But when friendships crumble and first loves confuse her, Christine learns that being yourself might be the brightest thing of all.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in the mid-1990s, this coming-of-age novel follows 17-year-old Christine as she navigates the challenges of friendship, first love, and self-expression through her diary filled with prose and illustrations. Appropriate for ages 9 to 12, the story thoughtfully explores themes of personal growth, betrayal, and identity without graphic content, making it a relatable and meaningful read for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Be That Way 11ME
Be That Way is written at a Level 6 reading level across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Be That Way works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Be That Way as 11ME ("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, Be That Way explores coming of age, friendship, family, romance, and art & self-expression — 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 coming of age, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
- 9780823447619
- Pages
- 275
- Publisher
- Holiday House
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction