Sister Anna
Pat Perrin
Sister Anna
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story of Shaker Life
by Pat Perrin
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
Did you know a young girl once lived with the Shakers, a secretive group with strange customs? Thirteen-year-old Anna Coburn discovers their hidden ways and faces surprising visitors like Ralph Waldo Emerson. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Set in the 19th century, this historical fiction follows thirteen-year-old Anna Coburn as she navigates life with the Shakers and later faces challenges adjusting to Boston society. The story includes themes of cultural difference, moral dilemmas, and personal growth, suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the book involves moments of conflict and danger but handles them with appropriate sensitivity.
Why we rated Sister Anna 11LE
Sister Anna is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sister Anna works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Sister Anna 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, Sister Anna explores historical, coming of age, family, social justice, and adventure — 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 historical, coming of age, family.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781579600594
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Discovery Enterprises Ltd
- Published
- May 2000
- Type
- Fiction