Solitaire
Bernard Ashley
Solitaire
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bernard Ashley
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for older middle graders (ages 11+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
In a gripping tale of trust and secrets, a young hero uncovers hidden betrayals that challenge everything they believe about loyalty and friendship. Set against the backdrop of conflict and hope, the story reveals how courage can shine even in the darkest times.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include emotional: betrayal, war & conflict. Written for readers ages 11+.
Why we rated Solitaire 11MS
Solitaire is written at a Level 6-7 reading level (approximately 71,737 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Solitaire works for readers up to grade 8.3.
Read aloud, Solitaire runs about 8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Solitaire as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Betrayal, War & Conflict.
Thematically, Solitaire explores friendship, loyalty, war & conflict, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 11+ 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 friendship, loyalty, war & conflict.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MS — Moderate — SocialReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780794530310
- Publisher
- Usborne Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 71,737
- Read-Aloud
- ~7h 58m