It's not me, it's you
Stephanie Kate Strohm
It's not me, it's you
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephanie Kate Strohm
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to date in middle school? Imagine hearing all the stories about a girl’s crushes and breakups—from her friends, family, and even the boys themselves. But who’s telling the truth, and who’s just making it up?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle grade novel offers a humorous look at a young girl's dating experiences through the perspectives of those around her. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of friendship, family relationships, and social dynamics in a middle school setting. Parents should note the lighthearted treatment of dating and interpersonal conflicts typical for this age group.
Why we rated It's not me, it's you 11LE
It's not me, it's you is written at a Level 6 reading level across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, It's not me, it's you works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate It's not me, it's you as 11LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, It's not me, it's you explores friendship, family, interpersonal relations, coming of age, and humor — 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 friendship, family, interpersonal relations.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9780545952583
- Pages
- 275
- Publisher
- Point
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction