Set in stone
Linda Newbery
Set in stone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Linda Newbery
The text is written at a 7th 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
The creak of wooden floorboards echoes through the grand Farrow house, mixing with the faint scent of oil paint and polished wood. Samuel, the art tutor, and Charlotte, the governess, step softly, uncovering whispers and secrets behind every door. In a world where everyone hides something, what truths will they reveal?
Quick Assessment
Set in 1898 England, this middle-grade novel follows Samuel, an art tutor, and Charlotte, a governess, as they navigate the mysteries concealed within the wealthy Farrow household. The story explores themes of family secrets and social roles with historical context suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the narrative includes some complex themes of secrecy and class but remains appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Set in stone 12LE
Set in stone is written at a Level 7 reading level across 357 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Set in stone works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Set in stone as 12LE ("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, Set in stone explores tutors and tutoring, history, household employees, family, and mystery — 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 tutors and tutoring, history, household employees.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
- 9780099451334
- Pages
- 357
- Publisher
- Random House
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction