What reading level is Homecoming?

Homecoming by Diane Dakers is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Homecoming appropriate for?

Homecoming is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IE (Intense — Emotional).

What genre is Homecoming?

Homecoming is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does Homecoming have any content warnings?

Homecoming has a HootRating of 9IE (Intense — 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 Homecoming?

Homecoming by Diane Dakers is 108 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated July 16, 2026

Homecoming

Diane Dakers

Homecoming

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Diane Dakers

Reading Level 4-5 9IE 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.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible Find on Bookshop.org

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Fiona stands frozen as the front door swings open—her dad steps out, free after sixteen months in jail. Everyone’s eyes are on him, but the air is thick with tension and questions. Can Fiona trust the dad she thought she knew, or is there a darker truth waiting to be uncovered?

Themes

Family Coming of AgeJuvenile FictionTrust and Betrayal

Quick Assessment

Homecoming explores the complex emotions and challenges a young girl faces when her father returns from jail after being accused of a crime. Suitable for ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel sensitively addresses themes of family struggles, trust, and identity. Parents should note the story includes elements of social hardship and moral ambiguity, making it a thoughtful choice for readers ready to engage with mature family dynamics.

Why we rated Homecoming 9IE

Homecoming is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 108 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Homecoming works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Homecoming as 9IE ("Intense — 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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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, Homecoming explores family, coming of age, juvenile fiction, and trust and betrayal — 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.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, juvenile fiction.

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.