In search of us
Ava Dellaira
In search of us
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ava Dellaira
The text is written at a 8th 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
This is a story about two brave girls who changed everything for love—one who ran away to follow her heart, and her daughter who returns to find the father she’s never met. Their journeys show how searching for family can uncover unexpected truths that shape who we really are.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This novel explores the intertwined stories of Marilyn, a young woman who leaves home for love, and her daughter Angie, who embarks on a quest to find her father. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it thoughtfully addresses themes of family, identity, and multicultural experiences without graphic content, making it appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated In search of us 12ME
In search of us is written at a Level 8 reading level across 403 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In search of us works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate In search of us as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, In search of us explores romance, family, identity, multicultural, and coming of age — 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 romance, family, identity.
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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780374305314
- Pages
- 403
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction