In the time of the feast of flowers
Tina Egnoski
In the time of the feast of flowers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tina Egnoski
The text is written at a 4th 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
What happens when two best friends decide to break all the rules in a town where nothing ever happens? Abby and Dana push the limits with secret adventures, daring pranks, and a risky mistake that could change everything. Will their friendship survive when secrets come to light?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in a small Florida town in 1976, this middle-grade novel explores the complex friendship between two teenage girls who challenge their community's expectations through risky behavior and a serious mistake. Suitable for ages 9-12, it addresses themes of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness, with some depictions of juvenile delinquency and mild references to alcohol and sexual exploration. Parents should be aware of the realistic portrayals of adolescent challenges and the consequences of risky decisions.
Why we rated In the time of the feast of flowers 9ME
In the time of the feast of flowers is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 133 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In the time of the feast of flowers works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate In the time of the feast of flowers as 9ME ("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 the time of the feast of flowers explores juvenile delinquency, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about juvenile delinquency, friendship, coming of age.
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
9ME — 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
- 9781933896694
- Pages
- 133
- Publisher
- Texas Review Press
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction