Someone I used to know
Patty Blount
Someone I used to know
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Patty Blount
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Ashley’s story is not just about surviving a terrible secret—it’s about finding the strength to face a family breaking at the seams. What happens when the world you trusted begins to crumble, and you have to decide who you really are? This is a story that shows why courage matters more than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Ashley, a high school junior coping with the aftermath of trauma and the challenges of a family in crisis. While suitable for ages 9-12, parents should be aware it addresses the sensitive topic of sexual assault and its emotional impact. The book offers an honest look at resilience and family dynamics, making it appropriate for mature readers within the age group.
Why we rated Someone I used to know 12IE
Someone I used to know is written at a Level 7 reading level across 358 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Someone I used to know works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Someone I used to know as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Assault.
Thematically, Someone I used to know explores family, high school, emotional resilience, and sibling relationships — 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 family, high school, emotional resilience.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
- 9781492632818
- Pages
- 358
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks, Incorporated
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction