Tell us something true
Dana Reinhardt
Tell us something true
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dana Reinhardt
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
River Dean's world flips when his girlfriend breaks up with him. He wanders into a teen group meeting, but when they ask about his struggles, he blurts out a fake addiction. What happens when the truth starts to unravel?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows River Dean as he navigates the aftermath of a breakup and accidentally pretends to have an addiction after joining a teen support group. The story explores themes of honesty, peer pressure, and self-discovery, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note that the book deals with social dynamics around dating and group interactions without graphic content.
Why we rated Tell us something true 11LE
Tell us something true is written at a Level 6 reading level across 210 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tell us something true works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Tell us something true 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, Tell us something true explores friendship, coming of age, honesty, interpersonal relations, and self-help groups — 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, honesty.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Truth or dare
Barbara Dee
Truth or dare
Barbara Dee
Truth or dare
Laurie John
Truth or dare
Laurie John
We Tell the Truth
Sharon Gordon
We Tell the Truth
Sharon Gordon
Be Honest and Tell the Truth (Learning to Get Along)
Cheri J. Meiners
Be Honest and Tell the Truth (Learning to Get Along)
Cheri J. Meiners
To tell the truth.
Janet Dailey
To tell the truth.
Janet Dailey
The truth about us
Janet Gurtler
The truth about us
Janet Gurtler
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385742597
- Pages
- 210
- Publisher
- Wendy Lamb Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction