Choosing sides
Jamie Suzanne
Choosing sides
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jamie Suzanne
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp squeak of sneakers on the gym floor echoes loudly as Elizabeth watches her twin sister, Jessica, whispering secret plans. The smell of popcorn and excitement fills the air during cheerleading try-outs, but Elizabeth feels the weight of a tough choice pressing on her heart. Can she stand by her friend Amy or protect her sister, even if it means bending the rules?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and ethical choices within a school setting. Elizabeth faces a challenging decision between supporting her friend and her twin sister, who plans to cheat during cheerleading try-outs. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story addresses common social dynamics without intense or inappropriate content.
Why we rated Choosing sides 9LE
Choosing sides is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 104 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Choosing sides works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Choosing sides as 9LE ("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, Choosing sides explores friendship, family, school & education, and moral complexity — 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, school & education.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Choosing sides
Ilene Cooper
Choosing sides
Ilene Cooper
Choosing Sides
Alex Morgan
Choosing Sides
Alex Morgan
Choosing
Linda Ward
Choosing
Linda Ward
Good Choice Bad Choice
Jessica Tietjen
Good Choice Bad Choice
Jessica Tietjen
Choosing sides
Carolyn Keene
Choosing sides
Carolyn Keene
Select
Marit Weisenberg
Select
Marit Weisenberg
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553154597
- Pages
- 104
- Publisher
- Weekly Reader
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction