Family values
Phyllis Burke
Family values
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Lesbian Mother's Fight for Her Son
by Phyllis Burke
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.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: not all families look the same, and sometimes love has to fight to be recognized. Imagine standing up in court to be a parent to the child you love—it's scary and brave. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the challenges faced by a lesbian couple in San Francisco as they navigate legal adoption and co-parenting. It introduces young readers to themes of family diversity and social activism in an age-appropriate way, suitable for ages 9-12. The story is grounded in real-world issues but remains accessible and hopeful.
Why we rated Family values 11LE
Family values is written at a Level 6 reading level across 233 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Family values works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Family values 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 values explores lgbtq+ representation, family, social justice, and adoption & foster care — 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 lgbtq+ representation, family, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0679752498
- Pages
- 233
- Publisher
- Vintage
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Nonfiction