Lies about Truth
Courtney Stevens
Lies about Truth
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Courtney Stevens
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Sadie’s scars tell a story of survival that most wouldn’t dare to face. She’s got a secret list of impossible things to do before she can truly heal—and kissing Max is just the start. But can she forgive the people who hurt her and step into the light again?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores a young girl's journey through grief and healing after a traumatic accident that left her physically scarred and emotionally shaken. It sensitively addresses themes of loss, friendship, and self-acceptance suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the story includes emotional challenges related to trauma and forgiveness but handles these with hope and courage.
Why we rated Lies about Truth 11ME
Lies about Truth is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lies about Truth works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Lies about Truth as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Lies about Truth explores friendship, emotions, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, emotions, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062245434
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction