Flame
Stephanie Perry Moore
Flame
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephanie Perry Moore
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
Here's a secret: Bacall Lee never expected her birthday wish to lead to a spark that could light up her whole world. Meeting Rory feels like magic, but there's a hidden challenge waiting in the shadows. And that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the journey of Bacall Lee as she navigates the complexities of young attraction and personal values. Set around her 22nd birthday, the story emphasizes themes of faith and self-control, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the romantic elements and underlying moral questions presented in a way appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Flame 11LE
Flame is written at a Level 6 reading level across 200 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flame works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Flame 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, Flame explores young women, romance, faith, 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 young women, romance, faith.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Blue Flame
K. M. Grant
Blue Flame
K. M. Grant
Weight of a flame
Simonetta Carr
Weight of a flame
Simonetta Carr
The Wing and the Flame
Emily Hanlon
The Wing and the Flame
Emily Hanlon
Flames of Hope
Tui T. Sutherland
Flames of Hope
Tui T. Sutherland
God wants you to shine
Stephanie Perry Moore
God wants you to shine
Stephanie Perry Moore
Small Flames
A. M. Luzzader
Small Flames
A. M. Luzzader
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780802441973
- Pages
- 200
- Publisher
- Lift Every Voice
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction