Secrets
Lawrence T. Lorimer
Secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lawrence T. Lorimer
The text is written at a 4th 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.
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About This Book
This is not your average family story—because sometimes, even the people you trust most keep secrets that can change everything. Imagine discovering that your dad, a minister, has hidden parts of his life for years. What happens when those secrets start to unravel?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Secrets follows a sixteen-year-old girl who begins to uncover hidden aspects of her father's life, challenging her understanding of family and trust. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel thoughtfully explores themes of family dynamics and adultery with sensitivity. Parents should note the exploration of complex family issues presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Secrets 9IE
Secrets 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, Secrets works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Secrets as 9IE ("Intense — 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, Secrets explores family, coming of age, and moral complexity — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, moral complexity.
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
9IE — Intense — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0030590493
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Henry Holt Books For Young Readers
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction