Breaking the trust
Lucy Clare
Breaking the trust
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lucy Clare
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
The scent of old leather and city rain fills the air as a family secret unwraps itself like a tangled ribbon. When Jack Palmer passes away, his children discover a brother they never knew, hiding in the shadows of their father's past. Suddenly, every whispered word and cold glance carries the weight of trust broken and bonds tested.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores family dynamics following the death of Jack Palmer, whose secret older son emerges to challenge his children's understanding of their family. The story delves into themes of sibling rivalry, ambition, and reconciliation, set against a London backdrop. Suitable for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully addresses complex family relationships without graphic content.
Why we rated Breaking the trust 11ME
Breaking the trust is written at a Level 6 reading level across 277 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Breaking the trust works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Breaking the trust as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Breaking the trust explores family, sibling relationships, secrets, ambition, and london setting — 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 family, sibling relationships, secrets.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
- 0316724718
- Pages
- 277
- Publisher
- Little Brown GBR
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction