Crush (Harper Trophy Books)
Ellen Conford
Crush (Harper Trophy Books)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ellen Conford
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if the biggest dance of the year could change everything? At Cutter's Forge High, everyone is buzzing about the Sweetheart Stomp and the surprises it might bring. Who will find love, who will face secrets, and who will have their world turned upside down?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Crush by Ellen Conford is a young adult novel set around the preparations for a high school dance, exploring the romantic hopes and challenges of several teens. Suitable for ages 13-18, it candidly addresses dating and social dynamics typical of adolescence. The book contains light themes of romance and social interaction without intense conflict, making it appropriate for middle to high school readers.
Why we rated Crush (Harper Trophy Books) 9LN
Crush (Harper Trophy Books) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 138 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crush (Harper Trophy Books) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Crush (Harper Trophy Books) as 9LN ("Light — Neutral") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Dating (Social customs).
Thematically, Crush (Harper Trophy Books) explores friendship, coming of age, romance, and high school life — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, coming of age, romance.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LN — Light — NeutralLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9780613114462
- Pages
- 138
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction