Making pretty
Corey Ann Haydu
Making pretty
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Corey Ann Haydu
The text is written at a 7th 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
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up where looks seem to matter most? Montana and her sister Arizona have always been close, but when Arizona comes home with a big change, everything feels different. How will Montana find her own way in a world full of beauty and secrets?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Making Pretty is a coming-of-age novel suitable for ages 9-12 that explores complex family dynamics, self-image, and early teenage romance. The story touches on themes like parental divorce, cosmetic surgery, and alcohol use, portraying the challenges of growing up in a beauty-focused culture. Parents should note the presence of mature themes handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Making pretty 12ME
Making pretty is written at a Level 7 reading level across 360 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Making pretty works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Making pretty 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Alcohol Use, Family Problems.
Thematically, Making pretty explores coming of age, family, romance, and self-discovery — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, romance.
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.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780062294081
- Pages
- 360
- Publisher
- Katherine Tegen Books
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction