The big split
Rowan McAuley
The big split
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rowan McAuley
Illustrated by Fukuoka, Aki, 1982- illustrator
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What happens when a family changes in a way you never expected? Holly and Faith are trying to figure out how to keep their family close even though their parents are no longer married. Can friendship between mom and dad be enough?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader gently explores the impact of divorce through the eyes of two young sisters, Holly and Faith. It addresses themes of family change and friendship in a sensitive way appropriate for ages 5-8. Parents should know it provides reassurance about family bonds despite separation.
Why we rated The big split 8LE
The big split is written at a Level 3 reading level across 90 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The big split works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The big split as 8LE ("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, The big split explores divorce, families, friendship, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about divorce, families, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781742973012
- Pages
- 90
- Publisher
- Go Girl (Hardie Grant)
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction