Our own private universe
Robin Talley
Our own private universe
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robin Talley
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you only get one chance to live an interesting life? Aki Simon is fifteen and ready to stop thinking and start doing, even if that means figuring out what it really means to love someone. But when she meets Christa on a summer trip, everything Aki thought she knew is about to be challenged.
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows fifteen-year-old Aki as she explores her bisexual identity and navigates first love during a summer trip to Mexico. The story thoughtfully addresses themes of self-discovery, romance, and coming of age, suitable for teens aged 13-18. Parents should note the book includes discussions of sexual orientation and romantic relationships in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Our own private universe 12ME
Our own private universe is written at a Level 7 reading level across 376 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Our own private universe works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Our own private universe as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Our own private universe explores lgbtq+ representation, romance, coming of age, friendship, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, romance, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780373211982
- Pages
- 376
- Publisher
- Harlequin Teen
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction