I know what you are
Taylor Edison
I know what you are
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
the true story of a lonely little girl abused by those she trusted most
by Taylor Edison
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 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
Have you ever felt like no one really understood you? Imagine being just 11 years old, feeling alone in the world, and then meeting someone who seems like a friend—but what happens when that trust is broken? This is a story about courage, even when everything seems impossible.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book tells the true story of a young girl with Asperger syndrome who faces abuse and isolation but ultimately finds strength to overcome her challenges. It addresses difficult themes such as sexual abuse and grooming, making it suitable for mature readers aged 9-12 who can handle sensitive content with parental guidance. Parents should be aware of the heavy subject matter and prepare to discuss these issues with their children.
Why we rated I know what you are 11IE
I know what you are is written at a Level 6 reading level across 280 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I know what you are works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate I know what you are as 11IE ("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, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Abuse, Grooming, Drug Use.
Thematically, I know what you are explores abused children, asperger's syndrome, biography, survival, and family — 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 abused children, asperger's syndrome, biography.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
I Hope You Know
Zaira Castillo
I Hope You Know
Zaira Castillo
Someone I Know
Carol Adorjan
Someone I Know
Carol Adorjan
You don't know me but I know you
Rebecca Barrow
You don't know me but I know you
Rebecca Barrow
I Didn't Know It Would Be Like This- Updated
AppleTree
I Didn't Know It Would Be Like This- Updated
AppleTree
I Know in My Heart
Holt Webb
I Know in My Heart
Holt Webb
I Wish You Knew
Jenn L. Brown
I Wish You Knew
Jenn L. Brown
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780008148027
- Pages
- 280
- Publisher
- HarperElement
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Nonfiction