Secrets of the Sea
Amanda L. Vasquez
Secrets of the Sea
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Amanda L. Vasquez
The text is written at a 6th 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
I have a secret to tell you — Kalama can talk to sea creatures and control water like magic. No one knows about her gift, not even her family, and it changes everything. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Secrets of the Sea is a middle-grade fiction book set 250 years ago in O'ahu, following eleven-year-old Kalama who discovers she can communicate with sea creatures and manipulate water. The story explores themes of self-discovery, belonging, and embracing unique abilities in a culturally rich, historical setting. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild fantasy elements and positive messages about identity and acceptance.
Why we rated Secrets of the Sea 11LE
Secrets of the Sea is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Secrets of the Sea works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Secrets of the Sea as 11LE ("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 of the Sea explores adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age, family, and friendship — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9798822948761
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Palmetto Publishing
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Fiction