December
Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop
December
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop
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
Isabelle hasn’t spoken a single word in eight months, but her silence speaks volumes. Her family will do anything to bring her back to the world of sound and laughter. What happens when the quiet holds more power than anyone expected?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows eleven-year-old Isabelle, who has chosen not to speak for eight months, exploring themes of elective mutism and family dynamics. Her mother leaves her career to care for her full-time, highlighting the challenges and hopes within a family facing this unique situation. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story thoughtfully addresses emotional and social struggles without graphic content.
Why we rated December 11ME
December is written at a Level 6 reading level across 239 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, December works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate December as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 emotional weight — 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, December explores mute persons, family, emotional struggle, 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 mute persons, family, emotional struggle.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
- 9780307268303
- Pages
- 239
- Publisher
- Knopf
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction