My new crush gave to me
Shani Petroff
My new crush gave to me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Shani Petroff
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
Charlie has a bold plan to win the heart of the most popular boy in school by rigging the Secret Santa at the school paper! But when she teams up with the super-annoying cousin who knows the perfect gift, everything gets a little more complicated — and way more fun. Who will Charlie really want for Christmas?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade holiday romance follows Charlotte 'Charlie' Donovan as she tries to win over her crush through a Secret Santa gift exchange at school. The story features themes of friendship, self-discovery, and holiday cheer, with light romantic elements suitable for ages 9-12. The book is a gentle, humorous read with no concerning content, focusing on social interactions and middle school experiences.
Why we rated My new crush gave to me 11LE
My new crush gave to me is written at a Level 6 reading level across 264 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My new crush gave to me works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate My new crush gave to me 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, My new crush gave to me explores romance, friendship, family, humor, and schools — 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, friendship, 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250130327
- Pages
- 264
- Publisher
- Swoon Reads
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction