Life
Mal Peet
Life
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
an exploded diagram
by Mal Peet
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Amid the tension of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Clem Ackroyd, a boy from a working-class family, falls deeply for Frankie Mortimer, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Their love blooms against a backdrop of looming conflict and echoes of past wars, testing their courage and hope. Spanning three generations, this powerful story explores family bonds, sacrifice, and the challenges of growing up when the world feels on the edge of disaster.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include death of an animal, physical danger, injury. Written for readers ages 13+.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 4 — IntenseHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780763652272
- Pages
- 385
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 86,545
- Read-Aloud
- ~9h 37m
- Text Density
- Standard