What reading level is First we were IV?

First we were IV by Alexandra Sirowy is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 710L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is First we were IV appropriate for?

First we were IV is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is First we were IV?

First we were IV is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does First we were IV have any content warnings?

First we were IV has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is First we were IV?

First we were IV by Alexandra Sirowy is 436 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

First we were IV

Alexandra Sirowy

First we were IV

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Alexandra Sirowy

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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.

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About This Book

Here’s a secret: a group of friends have formed a secret society, but their bond might be more dangerous than anyone expected. When loyalty is tested and fears take over, what lengths will they go to keep their friendship alive? But that’s only the beginning.

Themes

Friendship Coming of Age MysterySchool

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade thriller explores the intense bonds of friendship through the story of a secret society formed by a group of school friends. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book delves into themes of loyalty, fear of loss, and the complexities of growing up, with some suspenseful moments that may prompt thoughtful conversations about trust and consequences.

Why we rated First we were IV 9ME

First we were IV is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 436 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, First we were IV works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate First we were IV 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, First we were IV explores friendship, coming of age, mystery, and school — 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 friendship, coming of age, mystery.

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.