Lies you never told me
Jennifer Donaldson
Lies you never told me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Jennifer Donaldson
The text is written at a 7th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here’s a secret: Elyse never thought she’d be the star of her school play, especially not caught up in a mystery of whispers and secrets. Gabe’s life is tangled with rumors and a risky romance that could change everything. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores complex themes such as teacher-student dynamics, young love, and social challenges through the intertwined stories of two students facing difficult choices. It is appropriate for ages 9-12 but includes mature themes like complicated relationships and social pressures, which may prompt valuable conversations about consequences and personal boundaries.
Why we rated Lies you never told me 12ME
Lies you never told me is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lies you never told me works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Lies you never told me as 12ME ("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, social complexity — 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 you never told me explores romance, family, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about romance, family, friendship.
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
12ME — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Lies I told
Michelle Zink
Lies I told
Michelle Zink
The lies that bind
Lisa Leighton
The lies that bind
Lisa Leighton
Lies
Nancy J. Hopper
Lies
Nancy J. Hopper
Lying
Catherine Rondina
Lying
Catherine Rondina
Lies about Truth
Courtney Stevens
Lies about Truth
Courtney Stevens
Lying out loud
Kody Keplinger
Lying out loud
Kody Keplinger
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781595148520
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- Razorbill
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction