Secrets told by children of alcoholics
Jorgensen, Donald G.
Secrets told by children of alcoholics
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jorgensen, Donald G.
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the people you love the most have secrets that change everything? Imagine hearing stories from kids just like you, who face challenges when someone in their family drinks too much. How do they find hope and strength when their world feels upside down?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book shares the personal stories of young people aged 8 to 17 who have been affected by alcoholism in their families. Through honest interviews, it explores the emotional impact and coping strategies children use in these situations. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively handles complex family dynamics with care.
Why we rated Secrets told by children of alcoholics 9ME
Secrets told by children of alcoholics is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Secrets told by children of alcoholics works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Secrets told by children of alcoholics as 9ME ("Moderate — 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 — 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 told by children of alcoholics explores family, psychology, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, psychology, coming of age.
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
9ME — Moderate — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Children of alcoholics
Kenneth J. Sher
Children of alcoholics
Kenneth J. Sher
Children of alcoholics
Robert J. Ackerman
Children of alcoholics
Robert J. Ackerman
Children of Alcoholism
Barbara Wood
Children of Alcoholism
Barbara Wood
Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs, Second Edition
Joy Barlow
Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs, Second Edition
Joy Barlow
Children of alcoholics
Michael T. Windle
Children of alcoholics
Michael T. Windle
Alcohol problems among adolescents
Gayle M. Boyd, Jan Howard, Robert A. Zucker
Alcohol problems among adolescents
Gayle M. Boyd, Jan Howard, Robert A. Zucker
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780830650088
- Pages
- 176
- Publisher
- Tab Books
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction