Shining Still

Richard Hawley

Cover of Shining Still

Shining Still

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The very best of Richard Hawley

by Richard Hawley

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

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.

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About This Book

Juliana and Paul prove that love can be the most powerful force, even when grown-ups say it’s too soon. Their hearts are set on each other, but their parents want them to give up. What happens when you have to choose between following rules and following your heart?

Quick Assessment

Shining Still explores the intense emotions of young love through the story of two gifted teenagers facing parental opposition. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel thoughtfully addresses themes of love, family dynamics, and personal choice. Parents should be aware that the story involves emotional conflict as the characters navigate important decisions about their relationships.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Emotional: Divorce & Family Change
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

192 pages
ISBN
9780374368111
Pages
192
Publisher
Farrar Straus & Giroux (T)
Published
December 1989
Type
Fiction

Subjects

LoveParent and Child