Between us and the moon
Rebecca Maizel
Between us and the moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rebecca Maizel
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The salty breeze mixes with the quiet hum of waves crashing against the shore as Sarah peers through her telescope, searching the night sky. She’s used to living in her sister Scarlett’s shadow, but this summer, everything feels different—especially when she meets Andrew, who sees her as someone new. As secrets unfold and feelings grow, Sarah faces a choice that could change her forever.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of identity, honesty, and first love through the eyes of Sarah, an aspiring astronomer navigating a pivotal summer. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story addresses the complexities of adolescence, including peer pressure and self-discovery, with sensitivity and warmth. Parents should note the presence of a romantic subplot and some situations involving deception as Sarah experiments with her identity.
Why we rated Between us and the moon 12ME
Between us and the moon is written at a Level 7 reading level across 364 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Between us and the moon works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Between us and the moon as 12ME ("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 — 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 us and the moon explores coming of age, family, romance, and friendship — 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.
- ✓ 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, romance.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062327611
- Pages
- 364
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction