Give and take
Tricia Springstubb
Give and take
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tricia Springstubb
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
What happens when friendships start to change and feelings get complicated? Sixteen-year-olds find themselves navigating new relationships—with friends and maybe even someone special. But can they keep their bonds strong as everything begins to shift?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows sixteen-year-olds as they explore friendship and early romantic relationships, capturing the complexities of growing up. It thoughtfully addresses themes of maturity and interpersonal connections suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the focus on evolving friendships and mild discussions of young romantic interest.
Why we rated Give and take 11LE
Give and take is written at a Level 6 reading level across 253 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Give and take works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Give and take 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, Give and take explores friendship, coming of age, and romance — 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, romance.
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0440928737
- Pages
- 253
- Publisher
- Dell
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction