Counselors
Jessica Goodman
Counselors
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jessica Goodman
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
I have a secret about summer camp that no one else knows. Goldie and her best friends are about to become counselors, but when a body is found in the lake, everything changes—and the truth could tear their friendship apart. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows three best friends at an elite summer camp where dark secrets unravel after a teen is found dead. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of friendship, trust, and betrayal with some suspenseful and mature elements. Parents should note the presence of a murder mystery and the complexities of teenage relationships.
Why we rated Counselors 12ME
Counselors is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Counselors works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Counselors 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mystery, Murder.
Thematically, Counselors explores friendship, mystery, 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 friendship, mystery, coming of age.
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.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Camp creepy
Michael J. Bugeja
Camp creepy
Michael J. Bugeja
Counselors
Jessica Goodman
Counselors
Jessica Goodman
Camper and the Counselor
Jackie Oshry
Camper and the Counselor
Jackie Oshry
Have a Great Summer
Kristy Wells
Have a Great Summer
Kristy Wells
TTYL (Camp Confidential)
Melissa J. Morgan
TTYL (Camp Confidential)
Melissa J. Morgan
Camp Adventure
Elizabeth Elbert
Camp Adventure
Elizabeth Elbert
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780593524244
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction