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Best kept secret

Ann M. Martin

Cover of Best kept secret

Best kept secret

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

the third generation

by Ann M. Martin

Reading Level 4-5 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

A latest installment in the series by the Newbery Honor-winning author of A Corner of the Universe follows Francie, Dana's daughter, to Princeton, New Jersey, in the 1980s.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Best kept secret Level 0

Best kept secret is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 730L across 219 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Best kept secret works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Best kept secret as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

219 pages
ISBN
9780545359443
Pages
219
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Published
2014
Type
Fiction
Lexile
730L

Genres

Subjects

FamiliesDyslexiaFamily LifeSchoolsMothers and DaughtersNew Jersey

Places

New JerseyPrincetonPrinceton (N.J.)