Clean break
Jacqueline Wilson
Clean break
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jacqueline Wilson
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
What if the person you love most isn't who you thought they were? Em's dad is funny, glamorous, and always knows how to make Christmas magical with amazing presents. But this year, a surprise changes everything—how will Em handle it?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores family dynamics through Em’s perspective as she navigates her relationship with her stepfather. While Em adores him, unexpected changes challenge her understanding of family during the holiday season. Appropriate for ages 9-12, it sensitively addresses themes of blended families and adjustment without intense content.
Why we rated Clean break 11LE
Clean break is written at a Level 6 reading level across 270 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clean break works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Clean break 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, Clean break explores family, stepfamilies, and coming of age — 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, stepfamilies, coming of age.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781405660525
- Pages
- 270
- Publisher
- Galaxy
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction