Knowing what to say
Patti Kelley Criswell
Knowing what to say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Finding the Words to Fit Any Situation
by Patti Kelley Criswell
Illustrated by Martini, Angela, illustrator
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: sometimes the hardest thing is finding the perfect words when your heart feels all tangled up. Whether you’re shy, worried, or just don’t know what to say, there are quiet ways to speak out that can change everything—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers practical advice and techniques tailored for girls aged 9 to 12 to help them communicate effectively during stressful or uncomfortable situations. It encourages confidence and grace in interpersonal interactions, making it a valuable resource for emotional and social development. The content is appropriate for middle-grade readers, focusing on positive communication skills without any concerning material.
Why we rated Knowing what to say 9LE
Knowing what to say is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 118 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Knowing what to say works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Knowing what to say as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Knowing what to say explores girls, interpersonal communication, interpersonal relations, conduct of life, and friendship — 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 girls, interpersonal communication, interpersonal relations.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781683370758
- Pages
- 118
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction