That Summer
Sarah Dessen
That Summer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sarah Dessen
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Haven is about to discover the truth behind her family's secrets during one unforgettable summer. When her dad remarries and her sister gets married, everything she thought she knew starts to change. What if growing up means letting go of the stories we tell ourselves?
Themes
Quick Assessment
That Summer follows 15-year-old Haven as she navigates her feelings around her father's remarriage and her sister's wedding. This young adult novel explores themes of family dynamics and personal growth, suitable for teens ages 13 and up. It thoughtfully addresses the challenges of change and self-discovery without intense content.
Why we rated That Summer 9LE
That Summer is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 198 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That Summer works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate That Summer as 9LE ("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, That Summer explores family, coming of age, love & romance, and sisters — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, coming of age, love & romance.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780670061105
- Pages
- 198
- Publisher
- Viking Books for Young Readers
- Published
- April 6, 2006
- Type
- Fiction