POOR LILA!

Francine Pascal

Cover of POOR LILA!

POOR LILA!

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Francine Pascal

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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 crunch of autumn leaves underfoot mixes with the whisper of secrets between friends at Sweet Valley Middle School. Lila feels the weight of her family's troubles as she navigates the ups and downs of friendship and fitting in. Sometimes, being different can be the hardest adventure of all.

Themes

FriendshipSchool storiesWealthChildren: Grades 4-6

Quick Assessment

Poor Lila! is a middle-grade fiction book centered around themes of friendship, social challenges, and family financial struggles. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers relatable school experiences and emotional growth without intense or graphic content. Parents can expect a gentle exploration of socioeconomic differences and the importance of empathy.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

138 pages
ISBN
9780553159622
Pages
138
Publisher
Sweet Valley
Published
September 1, 1992
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

School StoriesWealthFriendshipSocial IssuesPoverty