Lying Game #6
Sara Shepard
Lying Game #6
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Seven Minutes in Heaven
by Sara Shepard
The text is written at a 8th 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
Here's a secret: Sutton Mercer seemed to have the perfect life—until she was murdered. Now, her twin sister Emma must live Sutton's life and solve the mystery, but when Sutton's body is found, Emma becomes the prime suspect. The truth is closer than ever, but danger is lurking, and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery novel follows Emma, who must impersonate her murdered twin sister Sutton to uncover the killer. The story involves themes of murder and identity, with suspenseful and sometimes intense moments appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should be aware of the murder mystery content and the emotional tension surrounding wrongful suspicion.
Why we rated Lying Game #6 12ME
Lying Game #6 is written at a Level 8 reading level across 400 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lying Game #6 works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Lying Game #6 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Lying Game #6 explores mystery, sisters, twins, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, sisters, twins.
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
2/10A 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
- 9780062128232
- Pages
- 400
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction