Between us
Cari Simmons
Between us
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cari Simmons
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
Bailey has the perfect plan to make sixth grade amazing, but then her cousin Hannah moves in and starts copying everything she does. Suddenly, Bailey’s best friend Olivia seems to like Hannah more, and Bailey has to figure out how to keep her friends—and herself—before it’s too late.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complexities of friendship and identity as Bailey navigates the challenges of sixth grade with her cousin Hannah unexpectedly moving to town. The story addresses themes of imitation and social dynamics in school, suitable for ages 9-12. There is no intense content, making it an accessible and relatable read about growing up and managing changing relationships.
Why we rated Between us 11LE
Between us is written at a Level 6 reading level across 219 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Between us works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Between us as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Between us explores friendship, family, middle school, identity & self-discovery, and juvenile 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 friendship, family, middle school.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062336743
- Pages
- 219
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction