Scandals, Rumors, Lies
Jessica Burkhart
Scandals, Rumors, Lies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jessica Burkhart
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
Sasha Silver is about to shake up Canterwood Crest Academy like never before. With secrets swirling, friendships tested, and rivalries heating up, the school's social scene is more explosive than ever. Why does it matter? Because in this world, every whisper can change who wears the crown.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Sasha Silver as she navigates intense social dynamics at an elite equestrian academy. Themes of friendship, trust, and rivalry are explored alongside horse-related adventures, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of social conflicts such as rumors and lying, handled in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Scandals, Rumors, Lies 9LE
Scandals, Rumors, Lies is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Scandals, Rumors, Lies works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Scandals, Rumors, Lies as 9LE ("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, Scandals, Rumors, Lies explores friendship, animals, horses, social themes, and juvenile fiction — 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, animals, horses.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442403840
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction