Fountains of Silence

Ruta Sepetys

Cover of Fountains of Silence

Fountains of Silence

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Ruta Sepetys

Reading Level 8 12ME Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

What secrets hide behind the grand fountains of Madrid in 1957? Daniel, with his camera, and Ana, a hotel maid, see a city filled with shadows and danger. Together, they uncover a darkness that could change everything — but will they be ready for what lies ahead?

Themes

Young Adult FictionRomanceHistoricalPolitics & GovernmentEuropeIdentity & Self-DiscoveryFamilySocial Justice

Quick Assessment

Set in post-war Madrid under General Franco's regime, this historical novel follows Daniel, a privileged young man, and Ana, a maid from a struggling family, as they navigate political oppression and personal discovery. The story explores themes of identity, courage, and forbidden love, making it suitable for teens aged 13 and up. Parents should be aware of mature themes including political violence and social injustice, presented thoughtfully within a historical context.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

512 pages
ISBN
9780241421857
Pages
512
Publisher
Puffin Books
Published
2021
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Young Adult Fiction, Romance, HistoricalYoung Adult Fiction, Politics & GovernmentYoung Adult Fiction, Historical, EuropeDictatorship--FictionFranco, Francisco, 1892-1975--FictionHotelsMotelsEtc--FictionMadrid--History--FictionPhotography--FictionSecrets--FictionSpain--History--20th Century--FictionSpain--History--20th Century--Juvenile Fiction