Secrets
Linda Chapman
Secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Linda Chapman
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
Ellie can talk to horses—not just any horses, but the ones who need her the most! When a frightened mare cries out for help, Ellie’s special gift is the only thing that can save her. But can she do it before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction centers on Ellie, a young girl who discovers she has a unique ability to communicate with and heal horses. After her beloved horse Spirit passes away, Ellie uses her gift to help a troubled mare in danger. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of empathy, healing, and resilience with gentle emotional moments and no intense content.
Why we rated Secrets 9LE
Secrets is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 175 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 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, Secrets explores friendship, animals & pets, healing, and family — 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 & pets, healing.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Secrets in the sand
Sharon Siamon
Secrets in the sand
Sharon Siamon
Hopes
Linda Chapman
Hopes
Linda Chapman
Loving Spirit
Linda Chapman
Loving Spirit
Linda Chapman
Horses Help
Janelle Cherrington
Horses Help
Janelle Cherrington
Saddles & Secrets (an Ellen & Ned Book)
Jane Smiley
Saddles & Secrets (an Ellen & Ned Book)
Jane Smiley
A special friend
Linda Chapman
A special friend
Linda Chapman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781497664630
- Pages
- 175
- Publisher
- Open Road Media
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction