Divorced But Still My Parents
Shirley Thomas
Divorced But Still My Parents
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Helping-Book about Divorce for Children and Par
by Shirley Thomas
The text is written at a 4th 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
Divorce doesn’t mean your family disappears—it just changes shape. This story shows how kids navigate new family rules and feelings, proving that parents can still be there, even apart. Understanding this can make all the difference when your world feels upside down.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book offers an insightful look into the divorce process from a child's perspective, combining educational lessons with a relatable story. Designed for ages 9-12, it helps children understand and cope with family changes due to divorce, emphasizing that parental love remains constant. The content is age-appropriate with gentle handling of emotional challenges related to family separation.
Why we rated Divorced But Still My Parents 9LE
Divorced But Still My Parents is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Divorced But Still My Parents works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Divorced But Still My Parents as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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: Divorce & Family Change, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Divorced But Still My Parents explores family, divorce & family change, and emotional growth — 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 family, divorce & family change, emotional growth.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780613849852
- Publisher
- Tandem Library
- Published
- December 1997
- Type
- Fiction