Life

Mal Peet

Cover of Life

Life

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

an exploded diagram

by Mal Peet

Reading Level 5-6 Intense (Lvl 4) Ages 13+ Heads Up

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

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 — Intense
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Death of an Animal Physical Danger Injury Sacrifice Asphyxiation Mutilation Unconsciousness Restraint
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
8
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

385 pages
86,545 words
9h 37m read-aloud
ISBN
9780763652272
Pages
385
Publisher
National Geographic Books
Published
2011
Type
Fiction
Word Count
86,545
Read-Aloud
~9h 37m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Coming of AgeWarFamily LifeSocial Classes