Last Rose
Leah Cypess
Last Rose
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leah Cypess
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
The sharp scent of wild roses fills the air as Mera races through the shadowy forest, her heart pounding like thunder. Every step crunches on fallen leaves, and the cold wind whispers secrets of danger nearby. She’s the only hope to rescue her sister from the Beast’s cruel grasp, but can courage bloom in such darkness?
Quick Assessment
Last Rose, the fourth installment in the Sisters Ever After series, is a middle-grade fairy tale retelling about bravery and sisterly love. It follows Mera, who must confront a terrifying Beast to save her older sister, making it suitable for children ages 9-12. The story includes themes of family bonds and overcoming fear, with mild peril appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Last Rose 11LE
Last Rose is written at a Level 6 reading level across 236 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last Rose works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Last Rose 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Last Rose explores family, adventure, fantasy world-building, 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 family, adventure, fantasy world-building.
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.
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
- 9780593481349
- Pages
- 236
- Publisher
- Random House Publishing Group
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction