What reading level is Between two skies?

Between two skies by Joanne O'Sullivan is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 650L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Between two skies appropriate for?

Between two skies is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8ME (Moderate — Emotional).

Does Between two skies have any content warnings?

Between two skies has a HootRating of 8ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Between two skies?

Between two skies by Joanne O'Sullivan is 267 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Between two skies

Joanne O'Sullivan

Between two skies

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Joanne O'Sullivan

Reading Level 3-4 8ME Ages 5-8 Heads Up

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

What if a huge storm swept you away from everything you know? Imagine living in a tiny fishing town where the sky stretches wide and the water sings. When the storm hits, Evangeline's world turns upside down — and a new friendship might be the key to finding hope again.

Themes

Coming of Age Family FriendshipLoveAdventure Social Justice Historical

Quick Assessment

Set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina, this novel follows sixteen-year-old Evangeline as she navigates loss, displacement, and new relationships after her home is destroyed. Suitable for early readers around ages 5-8 with a reading level of 3.5, it gently explores themes of resilience, belonging, and young love without graphic content. Parents should note the historical tragedy and emotional themes that may prompt questions about natural disasters and displacement.

Why we rated Between two skies 8ME

Between two skies is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 650L across 267 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Between two skies works for readers up to grade 5.5.

We rate Between two skies as 8ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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 moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Between two skies explores coming of age, family, friendship, love, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.

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.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, friendship.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.