Playing the part
Katrina Abbott
Playing the part
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Katrina Abbott
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
The soft rustle of pages turns under Kaylee's fingertips as the scent of old books fills the air. At Rosewood Academy, whispers swirl like the autumn breeze, and Kaylee feels more invisible than ever. But when secrets start to unravel and the spotlight shines on the school play, will Kaylee's carefully built world come crashing down?
Quick Assessment
Playing the Part follows Kaylee, a middle school girl navigating feelings of isolation and complicated friendships at a prestigious academy. The story explores themes of romance and identity, appropriate for ages 9-12, with mild emotional challenges around fitting in and secrecy. Parents should note the book contains typical middle-grade social dynamics and romantic interests.
Why we rated Playing the part 11LE
Playing the part is written at a Level 6 reading level across 226 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Playing the part works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Playing the part 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, Playing the part explores romance, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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 romance, friendship, coming of age.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781498961905
- Pages
- 226
- Publisher
- Over the Cliff Publications
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction