My whole truth
Mischa Thrace
My whole truth
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mischa Thrace
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
What would you do if someone hurt you and you had to stand up for yourself in front of everyone? Seelie Stanton faces a huge challenge as she fights to show she acted in self-defense after a terrible event. But will the truth be enough to protect her?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows 17-year-old Seelie Stanton as she navigates the aftermath of defending herself against an attacker, including a court trial and social challenges at school. The book addresses serious topics such as sexual assault, self-defense, and the complexities of friendship and identity, including LGBTQ+ representation. It is appropriate for mature readers aged 9-12 but contains sensitive themes that may require parental guidance.
Why we rated My whole truth 12IE
My whole truth is written at a Level 7 reading level across 315 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My whole truth works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate My whole truth as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Assault, Violence.
Thematically, My whole truth explores trials, friendship, lgbtq+ representation, social justice, 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 trials, friendship, lgbtq+ representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781635830248
- Pages
- 315
- Publisher
- Flux
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction