Between us and the moon

Rebecca Maizel

Cover of Between us and the moon

Between us and the moon

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Rebecca Maizel

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
7
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

364 pages
ISBN
9780062327611
Pages
364
Publisher
HarperTeen
Published
2015
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Truthfulness and Falsehood in AdolescencePopularityFamily LifeExperimentsDatingSistersAstronomyCape Cod

Places

Cape Cod (Mass.)Cape CodMassachusetts