The fling
Julian F. Thompson
The fling
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Julian F. Thompson
The text is written at a 5th 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
Three high school friends embark on a summer adventure when they are invited to stay with a wealthy neighbor, where their encounters with an enigmatic gardener lead to unexpected discoveries and shifts in their friendships.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated The fling 10LN
The fling is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 208 pages (approximately 52,638 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The fling works for readers up to grade 7.7.
Read aloud, The fling runs about 5.9 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The fling as 10LN ("Light — Neutral") 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 fling weaves together friendship and coming of age.
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 friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LN — Light — NeutralLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140375031
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Puffin Books
- Published
- May 1, 1996
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 52,638
- Read-Aloud
- ~5h 51m
- Text Density
- Dense