Hurting
Lisa Norby
Hurting
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lisa Norby
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Claudia keeps a secret that could change everything between her and Pres, but trusting someone isn’t always easy. Meanwhile, Olivia faces a shock when she finds out Walt’s been seeing Nancy. Secrets and surprises make every moment count—because sometimes what you don’t know matters the most.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores themes of trust, secrets, and relationships among high school students involved in cheerleading. It is suitable for ages 13-18 and deals with realistic social dynamics and emotional challenges without explicit content. Parents should note the focus on interpersonal conflicts typical of teenage experiences.
Why we rated Hurting 9LE
Hurting is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 164 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hurting works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Hurting as 9LE ("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, Hurting explores friendship, family, coming of age, high school, and romance — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590339292
- Pages
- 164
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- January 1986
- Type
- Fiction