The Broken Bridge

Philip Pullman

Cover of The Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Philip Pullman

Reading Level 6 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th 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

The salty breeze from the Welsh coast mingles with the scent of paint and old stories as Ginny explores her family’s tangled past. Each brushstroke on her canvas reveals secrets about a brother she never knew and a mother she thought was lost. As summer fades, so do the walls around her heart, leaving her wondering who she really is.

Themes

IdentityFamilyEmotions & FeelingsComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Set in Wales, this novel follows 16-year-old Ginny, a mixed-race teen navigating complex family revelations during a transformative summer. Themes include identity, family dynamics, and emotional growth, making it suitable for readers aged 13 to 18. The story thoughtfully addresses social and emotional issues without graphic content, appropriate for middle and high school readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Emotional: Family Change
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

218 pages
ISBN
9780785767275
Pages
218
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
October 1999
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Social IssuesEmotions & FeelingsIdentityFamilyParentsPeople & PlacesUnited StatesAfrican-AmericanArtistsFamily ProblemsBlacksDysfunctional FamiliesWalesFathers and SonsTeenage GirlsIdentityin YouthFamily LifeFathers and Daughters

Places

Wales