Family breakup
Marilyn Little
Family breakup
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
understanding marital problems and the mediating of child custody decisions
by Marilyn Little
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The creak of the old wooden floor echoes through an empty house, where laughter once filled every corner. Now, new rules and quiet rooms shape a family in change, and every choice feels like a puzzle piece missing from a bigger picture. How do you hold onto love when everything feels different?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the complexities of family breakup and divorce through relatable case studies set in the United States. It sensitively addresses themes of custody and the emotional impact on children, making it suitable for ages 9-12 who may be navigating similar experiences. The book offers insight into family dynamics without graphic content, providing a thoughtful resource for young readers and parents.
Why we rated Family breakup 11ME
Family breakup is written at a Level 6 reading level across 235 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Family breakup works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Family breakup as 11ME ("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, Family breakup explores family, divorce, custody, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, divorce, custody.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11ME — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Breaking up
Ailsa Burns
Breaking up
Ailsa Burns
Why Do Families Break Up? (Exploring Tough Issues)
Jane Bingham
Why Do Families Break Up? (Exploring Tough Issues)
Jane Bingham
Kids Book about Divorce
Ashley Simpo
Kids Book about Divorce
Ashley Simpo
What Happens When My Parents Get Divorced?
Marisa Orgullo
What Happens When My Parents Get Divorced?
Marisa Orgullo
Our family got a divorce
Carolyn E. Phillips
Our family got a divorce
Carolyn E. Phillips
Mom and Dad Don't Live Together Anymore
Kathy Stinson
Mom and Dad Don't Live Together Anymore
Kathy Stinson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780875895529
- Pages
- 235
- Publisher
- San Francisco : Jossey-Bass
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Nonfiction