Cross currents
Lee G. Cantwell
Cross currents
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lee G. Cantwell
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
There’s a secret about friendship and family that not everyone wants to hear. A boy from Lanai dreams of getting closer to a special girl, but her father’s strong feelings stand in the way. What will happen when hidden truths start to surface? But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows a Filipino Mormon boy on the Hawaiian island of Lanai as he navigates cultural prejudices and family expectations while trying to build a relationship with a Japanese American girl. The story thoughtfully explores themes of identity, cultural differences, and overcoming bias. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a gentle look at social challenges without intense content.
Why we rated Cross currents 11MS
Cross currents is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cross currents works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Cross currents as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") 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 social complexity — 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, Cross currents explores multicultural, family, friendship, coming of age, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about multicultural, family, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Crossing
Gary Paulsen
Crossing
Gary Paulsen
Crossing
Mandy Hager
Crossing
Mandy Hager
Crossing the Line
Alexandra Powe Allred
Crossing the Line
Alexandra Powe Allred
Crossroads
Louise Carus Mahdi, Nancy Geyer Christopher, Michael Meade
Crossroads
Louise Carus Mahdi, Nancy Geyer Christopher, Michael Meade
Pacific Crossing
Gary Soto
Pacific Crossing
Gary Soto
Crossfire
James Moloney
Crossfire
James Moloney
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0875796729
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Shadow Mountain
- Published
- 1993
- Type
- Fiction