Keeping Secrets
Francine Pascal
Keeping Secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Francine Pascal
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Jessica whispers strange words with Lila, and suddenly the secret language Ithig is spreading through the school like wildfire. Elizabeth watches, torn between keeping their promise and stopping the chaos it's causing. What will happen when the school supervisor arrives, and everyone speaks a language no one understands?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of breaking promises through the story of twin sisters who share a secret language. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers relatable social situations without intense content, making it appropriate for young readers. Parents should note the story includes mild conflict around peer pressure and social challenges.
Why we rated Keeping Secrets 9LE
Keeping Secrets is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 103 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Keeping Secrets works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Keeping Secrets as 9LE ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Keeping Secrets explores friendship, family, social situations, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, social situations.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Rules for secret keeping
Lauren Barnholdt
Rules for secret keeping
Lauren Barnholdt
Keeping secrets
Suzanne Morris
Keeping secrets
Suzanne Morris
I've got a secret
Francine Pascal
I've got a secret
Francine Pascal
Keeping secrets.
Melinda Metz
Keeping secrets.
Melinda Metz
Keep Secrets (Sweet valley twins and friends, vol 12)
Jamie Suzanne
Keep Secrets (Sweet valley twins and friends, vol 12)
Jamie Suzanne
Keeping secrets
Tormod Haugen
Keeping secrets
Tormod Haugen
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553157024
- Pages
- 103
- Publisher
- Sweet Valley
- Published
- September 1, 1987
- Type
- Fiction