The dirt
Lori Culwell
The dirt
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lori Culwell
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Lucy Whitley is excited that her dad is remarrying, because this life change means that Lucy will get to leave her sisters in sunshiny California and go to a science boarding school. The Whitley family isn't very close or very connected and the three sisters stay in touch through email, even though they live in the same house. 10-year-old Frankie is a dreadlock-wearing tomboy with a love for snowboarding, and Sloane is a gorgeous mean girl queen bee, while plain science-loving Lucy is wedged between the two.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The dirt Level 0
The dirt is written at a Level 6 reading level across 205 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dirt works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The dirt as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" 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
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781935961369
- Pages
- 205
- Publisher
- Booktrope Editions
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction