My cousin's keeper
French, Simon
My cousin's keeper
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by French, Simon
The text is written at a 6th 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
What would you do if your cousin showed up at school and became the target of bullies? Kieran faces this tough choice when his new cousin feels like an outsider. Can he protect family without losing his place with friends?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of bullying, family loyalty, and social acceptance through the story of Kieran and his cousin. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at peer pressure and standing up for others. Parents should know it addresses school bullying in a realistic but age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated My cousin's keeper 11ME
My cousin's keeper is written at a Level 6 reading level across 234 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My cousin's keeper works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate My cousin's keeper as 11ME ("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 — 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, My cousin's keeper explores family, bullying, school stories, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, bullying, school stories.
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
11ME — 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
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
- 9780763662790
- Pages
- 234
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction