December Secrets
Patricia Reilly Giff
December Secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Patricia Reilly Giff
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Emily has been given the toughest secret pal ever—Jill Simon, the biggest crybaby in school. But as December unfolds, Emily discovers that kindness can change even the hardest hearts. What secrets will this holiday month reveal?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Emily as she navigates the challenges of being kind to her secret pal, Jill, during December. The story gently explores themes of empathy, friendship, and holiday traditions including Christmas and Hanukkah. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers a warm introduction to school life and seasonal celebrations.
Why we rated December Secrets 8C
December Secrets is written at a Level 3 reading level across 82 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, December Secrets works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate December Secrets as 8C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, December Secrets explores friendship, family, christmas stories, hanukkah, and school stories — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, family, christmas stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789994438488
- Pages
- 82
- Publisher
- Yearling
- Published
- January 1990
- Type
- Fiction