Set in stone
Linda Newberry
Set in stone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Linda Newberry
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 sharp clink of paintbrushes echoes in a grand, old house where secrets swirl like dust in the sunlight. As Samuel mixes colors and Charlotte guides young minds, whispers and hidden truths ripple through the walls. What shadows lie beneath the polished surface of the Farrow family?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in Stone is a historical middle-grade novel that unfolds through the perspectives of an art tutor and a governess working for a wealthy family in 1898 England. The story explores themes of family secrets and social dynamics appropriate for readers aged 9-12, with no intense content. It offers a thoughtful look at history and personal challenges within a well-structured narrative.
Why we rated Set in stone 12LN
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 12LN ("Light — Neutral") 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 family, history, tutors and tutoring, and teen fiction — 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 family, history, tutors and tutoring.
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
12LN — Light — NeutralLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385607483
- Pages
- 357
- Publisher
- David Fickling Books
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction