Past Present Future
Rachel Lynn Solomon
Past Present Future
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What happens when your best friend moves miles away just as you start college? Rowan and Neil are trying to keep their special bond alive across Boston and New York City, but new challenges and surprises keep standing in their way. Can love really bridge the distance, or will everything change?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the realities of a young couple managing a long-distance relationship during their first months at college. It thoughtfully addresses themes of growing up, communication, and personal challenges suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the emotional content centers on relationship dynamics and adjustment to change without explicit material.
Why we rated Past Present Future 12LE
Past Present Future is written at a Level 7 reading level across 384 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Past Present Future works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Past Present Future as 12LE ("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, Past Present Future explores friendship, coming of age, family, and romance — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
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
12LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hello, goodbye, and everything in between
Jennifer E. Smith
Hello, goodbye, and everything in between
Jennifer E. Smith
What Are Friends For? (Friendship Ring)
Rachel Vail
What Are Friends For? (Friendship Ring)
Rachel Vail
Future imperfect
K. Ryer Breese
Future imperfect
K. Ryer Breese
Past Perfect LIfe
Elizabeth Eulberg
Past Perfect LIfe
Elizabeth Eulberg
A book of Ruth.
Syrell Rogovin Leahy
A book of Ruth.
Syrell Rogovin Leahy
Parallel
Lauren Miller
Parallel
Lauren Miller
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781665901956
- Pages
- 384
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Fiction