What reading level is Smothered?

Smothered by Autumn Chiklis is at a Level 7 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Smothered appropriate for?

Smothered is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Smothered?

Smothered is fiction — Fiction.

Does Smothered have any content warnings?

Smothered has a HootRating of 12LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Smothered?

Smothered by Autumn Chiklis is 304 pages.

Smothered

Autumn Chiklis

Smothered

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Autumn Chiklis

Reading Level 7 12LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

What if your mom was so determined to keep you at home that she tried everything to stop you from leaving? Imagine trying to start your own life after college, only to find your mom’s plans tangled up with yours in the funniest and most surprising ways. Could Lou finally break free, or will her mom’s smothering love hold her back forever?

Themes

Family Coming of Age Multicultural Friendship

Quick Assessment

Smothered follows Eloise 'Lou' Hansen as she graduates from Columbia University and faces the challenge of gaining independence while her overbearing mother tries to keep her close. Told through a creative mix of tweets, journal entries, receipts, and texts, this middle-grade novel explores family dynamics with humor and heart. Appropriate for ages 9-12, it handles themes of family, cultural identity, and coming of age in a relatable way.