Let me list the ways
Sarah White
Let me list the ways
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sarah White
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
Have you ever had a secret so big it feels like it could change everything? Mackenzie and Nolan have been best friends forever, sharing adventures and secrets—except for one: Mackenzie's feelings for Nolan. With only months left before they go to different colleges, will she dare to tell him the truth?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complex emotions of friendship and first love through the story of Mackenzie and Nolan, who face the challenges of growing up and impending separation. The book touches on themes of honesty, teenage relationships, and living with type 1 diabetes, making it suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should be aware that the story includes romantic elements and social dynamics common to this age group.
Why we rated Let me list the ways 11ME
Let me list the ways is written at a Level 6 reading level across 293 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Let me list the ways works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Let me list the ways as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Let me list the ways explores friendship, coming of age, family, romance, and health & wellness — 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, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062473158
- Pages
- 293
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction