Eclipse
Kristine L. Franklin
Eclipse
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kristine L. Franklin
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Trina’s summer is nothing like she expected — her dad sinks into a deep sadness, and her mom’s surprise pregnancy shakes everything up. But it’s not just about challenges; it’s about how Trina finds strength and friendship when life gets complicated. This story shows that even in tough times, hope can shine through.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Eclipse explores a young teen’s experience coping with her father’s severe depression after job loss and her mother’s unexpected pregnancy at an older age. Aimed at ages 13-18, it sensitively addresses family changes, mental health, and social dynamics, making it suitable for mature middle and high school readers. Parents should note themes of depression and family challenges, presented thoughtfully.
Why we rated Eclipse 9ME
Eclipse is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Eclipse works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Eclipse as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Eclipse explores family, mental health, friendship, coming of age, and social situations — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, mental health, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763602413
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Published
- August 5, 1998
- Type
- Fiction