Genuine fraud
E. Lockhart
Genuine fraud
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by E. Lockhart
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if two girls with big secrets became unlikely friends, but their friendship started to change in ways no one expected? Imagine adventures that take them from fancy homes by the sea to sunny beaches far away, where things get mysterious and tricky. What will happen when trust is tested and the truth comes out?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thriller explores complex friendships between two girls, Imogen and Jule, who each struggle with their own secrets and identities. While the story contains themes of deception and dark turns, it is written for mature readers and may include content unsuitable for younger children despite the listed reading level. Parents should consider the emotional intensity and thematic content before sharing this with early readers.
Why we rated Genuine fraud 7IE
Genuine fraud is written at a Level 2 reading level across 43 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Genuine fraud works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Genuine fraud as 7IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Deception, Dark Themes, Emotional Intensity.
Thematically, Genuine fraud explores friendship, identity & self-discovery, moral complexity, adventure, and mystery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, identity & self-discovery, moral complexity.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 5-8 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
We Were Liars
E. Lockhart
We Were Liars
E. Lockhart
Wicked
Sara Shepard
Wicked
Sara Shepard
A pack of lies
Geraldine McCaughrean
A pack of lies
Geraldine McCaughrean
Genuine Fraud
E. Lockhart
Genuine Fraud
E. Lockhart
Identity theft
Anna Davies
Identity theft
Anna Davies
The false friend
Myla Goldberg
The false friend
Myla Goldberg
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781524782009
- Pages
- 43
- Publisher
- Allen & Unwin
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction