On our own
John D. DeFrain
On our own
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Single Parent's Survival Guide
by John D. DeFrain
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
What if your family looked different from others, with parents living apart but still working together to help you grow? Imagine learning how to navigate new routines, solve problems, and find your place between two homes. How will you handle the challenges and surprises that come with being on your own?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book offers a thoughtful look at life with divorced parents, providing practical insights into custody arrangements and the everyday challenges children face in such families. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively addresses family changes without heavy emotional distress, supporting understanding and resilience.
Why we rated On our own 11LE
On our own is written at a Level 6 reading level across 282 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, On our own works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate On our own 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, On our own explores family, life skills, custody, and divorce & family change — 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, life skills, custody.
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
1/10A 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
- 066915086X
- Pages
- 282
- Publisher
- Free Press
- Published
- 1987
- Type
- Fiction