Since last summer
Joanna Philbin
Since last summer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Joanna Philbin
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
The salty breeze mixes with the laughter and clinking glasses of a glamorous summer in East Hampton. Rory feels the warm sand beneath her feet as she wonders if she truly fits in with Connor’s sparkling world of wealth and endless parties. Meanwhile, Isabel’s heart races between a new crush and the memory of last summer’s heartbreak, making this a summer full of feelings that won’t fade with the tide.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in the vibrant environment of East Hampton, this middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship, young romance, and social belonging as two girls navigate their feelings and relationships during a pivotal summer before college. The story touches on issues of identity, class differences, and emotional growth suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the portrayal of dating and social dynamics typical for this age group, presented in a light and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Since last summer 11LE
Since last summer is written at a Level 6 reading level across 291 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Since last summer works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Since last summer 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, Since last summer explores friendship, coming of age, romance, social customs, and summer — 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 friendship, coming of age, romance.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316212090
- Pages
- 291
- Publisher
- Poppy
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction