What reading level is The language of stars?

The language of stars by Louise Hawes is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 850L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The language of stars appropriate for?

The language of stars is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is The language of stars?

The language of stars is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The language of stars have any content warnings?

The language of stars has a HootRating of 10LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The language of stars?

The language of stars by Louise Hawes is 356 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

The language of stars

Louise Hawes

The language of stars

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Louise Hawes

Reading Level 5-6 10LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Sarah never imagined that getting in trouble could lead her to the world of poetry—and a teacher who seems to know Rufus Baylor personally. Her community service turns into a journey of discovery, where words hold secrets and every poem uncovers a new truth. What will Sarah learn about herself when the past and present collide?

Themes

PoetryCommunity ServiceComing of AgeTeenage GirlsJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows sixteen-year-old Sarah, who faces community service and a poetry class after vandalizing a historic museum. The story explores themes of accountability, self-discovery, and the power of poetry, making it appropriate for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the book deals with consequences of actions but maintains a hopeful and educational tone.

Why we rated The language of stars 10LE

The language of stars is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 850L across 356 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The language of stars works for readers up to grade 7.5.

We rate The language of stars as 10LE ("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 language of stars explores poetry, community service, coming of age, teenage girls, and juvenile fiction — 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.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about poetry, community service, coming of age.