Keeping secrets
Suzanne Morris
Keeping secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Suzanne Morris
The text is written at a 8th 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 door slams shut behind you, and suddenly, everything you thought you knew is turned upside down. Secrets whispered in shadowy corners threaten to unravel your world. What will you do when the truth refuses to stay hidden?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel explores the emotional impact of secrets and shattered illusions on a young protagonist. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at complex themes within an accessible narrative. Parents should note the book deals with emotional challenges but in a way appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Keeping secrets 12ME
Keeping secrets is written at a Level 8 reading level across 443 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Keeping secrets works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Keeping secrets 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, Keeping secrets explores historical, family, and identity & self-discovery — 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 historical, family, identity & self-discovery.
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
- 0385115350
- Pages
- 443
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction