I Take This Man
Emilie Baker Loring
I Take This Man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Emilie Baker Loring
The text is written at a 7th 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
She clutches the letter tightly as footsteps echo down the hallway. Someone is coming, and secrets are about to spill. What will happen when the door swings open?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel, suitable for ages 9-12, presents a compelling story with a Grade 7 reading level and large type for ease of reading. It involves themes of suspense and personal discovery without intense content, making it appropriate for young readers ready for more complex narratives. Parents should note the story's focus on emotional and social themes typical of middle-grade literature.
Why we rated I Take This Man 12LE
I Take This Man is written at a Level 7 reading level across 375 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Take This Man works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate I Take This Man as 12LE ("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, I Take This Man explores mystery, coming of age, 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 mystery, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
- 0893400874
- Pages
- 375
- Publisher
- John Curley & Assoc
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction