Family secrets
Norma Klein
Family secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Norma Klein
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What happens when your summer crush suddenly becomes your stepbrother? Peter and Leslie have always shared the best times at their beach houses, but a secret uncovered in a diary turns their perfect summer upside down. Can friendship survive when family secrets change everything?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complexities of family relationships and young love through the story of Peter and Leslie, whose summer romance is complicated by a surprising family secret. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively deals with themes of family change and adjustment without mature content. Parents should note the emotional challenges the characters face as they navigate new family dynamics.
Why we rated Family secrets 11LE
Family secrets is written at a Level 6 reading level across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Family secrets works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Family secrets as 11LE ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Family secrets explores family, friendship, 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 family, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Family Secrets
Maggie Shayne, Anne Marie Winston, Evelyn Vaughn, Cindy Gerard
Family Secrets
Maggie Shayne, Anne Marie Winston, Evelyn Vaughn, Cindy Gerard
Secrets
Barbara Becker Holstein
Secrets
Barbara Becker Holstein
Secrets
Lawrence T. Lorimer
Secrets
Lawrence T. Lorimer
A family romance.
Wollheim, Richard
A family romance.
Wollheim, Richard
Secrets of Blueberries, Brothers, Moose and Me
Sara Nickerson
Secrets of Blueberries, Brothers, Moose and Me
Sara Nickerson
Family Secrets
Catherine Marshall undifferentiated
Family Secrets
Catherine Marshall undifferentiated
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0803702213
- Pages
- 262
- Publisher
- Dial
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction