Literally
Lucy Keating
Literally
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lucy Keating
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
What if you found out that your whole life was actually a story written by someone else? Imagine being the main character in a book where every choice is already made for you—except you want to take control and write your own ending. Could you change your fate, or would the author always have the last word?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Literally is a middle-grade contemporary romance that explores themes of identity and self-determination through the story of Annabelle, a girl who discovers she is a fictional character in a bestselling author’s new novel. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book gently addresses the challenges of growing up and the desire for independence, with light romantic elements and no concerning content.
Why we rated Literally 11LE
Literally is written at a Level 6 reading level across 250 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Literally works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Literally as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Literally explores romance, coming of age, family, friendship, and writing in literature — 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 romance, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — 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
- 9780062380043
- Pages
- 250
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction