In between days
Andrew Porter
In between days
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Porter
The text is written at a 7th 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.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of rain on warm pavement fills the air as days blur between school and home. Every creak in the old house echoes stories of family secrets and quiet struggles. Sometimes, the hardest battles happen where you least expect them — right between the days.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the emotional complexities faced by children of divorced and dysfunctional families. It sensitively handles themes of family change and personal growth, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the book's realistic portrayal of family challenges and emotional depth.
Why we rated In between days 12ME
In between days is written at a Level 7 reading level across 321 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In between days works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate In between days as 12ME ("Moderate — 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 — 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, In between days explores family, coming of age, dysfunctional families, and divorced parents — 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, dysfunctional families.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780307273512
- Pages
- 321
- Publisher
- Knopf
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction