One of us is lying
Karen M. McManus
One of us is lying
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Karen M. McManus
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
What if five students walk into detention, but only four walk out? Imagine secrets so big they could change everything, and a mystery that needs to be solved. Who can you trust when one of them is gone and the truth is hiding in the shadows?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a mystery novel centered around five high school students who face secrets, suspicion, and a sudden death during detention. While written at a grade 2 reading level, the themes involve murder and complex social dynamics typical of older readers, so parents should be aware that the content may be intense or inappropriate for younger children despite the reading level. The story explores themes of trust, secrets, and consequences within a high school setting.
Why we rated One of us is lying 7IE
One of us is lying is written at a Level 2 reading level across 44 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, One of us is lying works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate One of us is lying as 7IE ("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: Murder, Suspicious Death, High School Drama.
Thematically, One of us is lying explores mystery, friendship, high school, secrets, and trust — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, high school.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 5-8 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7IE — 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
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
- 9781524756901
- Pages
- 44
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction