That's what friends are for
Joni Hilton
That's what friends are for
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Joni Hilton
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The scent of fresh ink and the clatter of typewriter keys fill the air as Veronica chases stories and secrets. Amid the bright lights of the stage and the quiet struggles of a friend, every moment hums with the hope of something bigger. Feel the warmth of friendship and faith as Veronica discovers who she really is.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction centers on a young girl, Veronica, balancing her lively adventures with her stage mother and supporting a friend facing anorexia. It explores themes of friendship, faith, and personal growth suitable for ages 9-12, with sensitive treatment of emotional challenges. Parents should note the inclusion of topics like eating disorders and spiritual awakening, presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated That's what friends are for 9ME
That's what friends are for is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 166 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That's what friends are for works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate That's what friends are for as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, That's what friends are for explores friendship, coming of age, family, journalism, and faith — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Friends
Gary Davis
Friends
Gary Davis
That's What a Friend Is
P. K. Hallinan
That's What a Friend Is
P. K. Hallinan
My Friends
Marcia K. Vaughan
My Friends
Marcia K. Vaughan
Friends make the difference
Lynn Craig
Friends make the difference
Lynn Craig
What Are Friends For? (Friendship Ring)
Rachel Vail
What Are Friends For? (Friendship Ring)
Rachel Vail
Friends of Jesus
Karen Kingsbury
Friends of Jesus
Karen Kingsbury
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1577341112
- Pages
- 166
- Publisher
- Covenant Communications
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Fiction