Lying low
Diane Johnson
Lying low
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Diane Johnson
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
The old house creaks as the wind howls outside. Inside, a sister and brother watch nervously while their two boarders act strangely. Suddenly, something unexpected happens that changes everything.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows an elderly sibling pair and their two boarders through a series of unusual, pivotal days. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of change and mystery without intense content, making it appropriate for young readers.
Why we rated Lying low 11LE
Lying low is written at a Level 6 reading level across 278 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lying low works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Lying low 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, Lying low explores family, mystery, 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 family, mystery, coming of age.
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
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
- 0394498909
- Pages
- 278
- Publisher
- Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction