Kiss of Broken Glass
Madeleine Kuderick
Kiss of Broken Glass
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Madeleine Kuderick
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
I have a secret about Kenna—one small moment changed everything. Just one kiss of broken glass sent her to a place where she must face her deepest struggles. But that's only the beginning of her story.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This novel in verse explores the challenging topic of self-harm and mental health through the story of a fifteen-year-old girl, Kenna, who is placed under psychiatric observation after a self-injury incident. The book sensitively portrays her experiences in a mental health facility and the relationships she forms there. It is appropriate for mature middle-grade readers (ages 9-12) and may prompt important conversations about emotional well-being.
Why we rated Kiss of Broken Glass 11IE
Kiss of Broken Glass is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kiss of Broken Glass works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Kiss of Broken Glass as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Self-Harm, Mental Health.
Thematically, Kiss of Broken Glass explores mental health, coming of age, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mental health, coming of age, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062306579
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction