Pulp
Robin Talley
Pulp
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robin Talley
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Janet hides a secret love in 1955 Washington, D.C., where danger lurks in every shadow. Across the years, Abby dives into old love stories that seem to speak directly to her heart. But when Abby starts chasing the truth behind a mysterious author, she uncovers something that could change everything.
Quick Assessment
This novel intertwines two stories of young women connected by love and the power of writing, set against the backdrop of 1950s LGBTQ history and a contemporary coming-of-age journey. Appropriate for middle-grade readers, it sensitively explores themes of identity, secrecy, and courage in the face of social prejudice. Parents should note the historical context includes discreet references to discrimination and the challenges faced by lesbian characters.
Why we rated Pulp 12ME
Pulp is written at a Level 8 reading level across 406 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pulp works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Pulp as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Pulp explores lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family, friendship, and historical — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Lesbian Pulp
Susan Stryker
Lesbian Pulp
Susan Stryker
The pulps
Tony Goodstone
The pulps
Tony Goodstone
Pulp7
Michael Storm
Pulp7
Michael Storm
Pulse of the City
Harper Kingsley
Pulse of the City
Harper Kingsley
What we left behind
Robin Talley
What we left behind
Robin Talley
LGBTQ Young Adult Fiction
Caren J. Town
LGBTQ Young Adult Fiction
Caren J. Town
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781335012906
- Pages
- 406
- Publisher
- Harlequin Teen
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction