Rain at midnight
Kelly Pretz
Rain at midnight
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kelly Pretz
Illustrated by Rubino, Alisa A., 1974- illustrator
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Chris has a bright new love in her life, but she’s hiding something important—her epilepsy. Balancing her feelings with the fear of being misunderstood is tricky, but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores a young girl’s experience with epilepsy as she navigates new romantic feelings and the challenges of keeping her condition private. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively addresses themes of health, trust, and family protection without graphic content.
Why we rated Rain at midnight 9ME
Rain at midnight is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rain at midnight works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Rain at midnight as 9ME ("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, Rain at midnight explores epilepsy, teenage girls, friendship, family, and coming of age — 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 epilepsy, teenage girls, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
At midnight
Jennifer Baker
At midnight
Jennifer Baker
The rain train
Elena De Roo
The rain train
Elena De Roo
Amy in the Rain
Aurelie Weinstein
Amy in the Rain
Aurelie Weinstein
Epilepsy
Elaine Landau
Epilepsy
Elaine Landau
Karen's Epilepsy
Elizabeth Baltaro
Karen's Epilepsy
Elizabeth Baltaro
Roses in the Rain
Magic Hambrick
Roses in the Rain
Magic Hambrick
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780932991515
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- "Different" Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction