What reading level is The last to let go?

The last to let go by Amber Smith is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 760L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The last to let go appropriate for?

The last to let go is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags: Family Violence, Murder, Sexual Orientation.

What genre is The last to let go?

The last to let go is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does The last to let go have any content warnings?

The last to let go has a HootRating of 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags include: Family Violence, Murder, Sexual Orientation. 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 last to let go?

The last to let go by Amber Smith is 369 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

The last to let go

Amber Smith

The last to let go

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Amber Smith

Reading Level 4-5 9IE Ages 9-12 Heads Up

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

Brooke’s world turns upside down when her mom is arrested for something no one fully understands. Suddenly, she and her siblings have to face a year of firsts—first love, first heartbreak, and a new kind of freedom. But how do you let go of a family secret that’s never really been yours?

Themes

Family Coming of Age Identity & Self-DiscoverySibling RelationshipsJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores complex themes of family violence, identity, and resilience through the eyes of Brooke, a young girl navigating life after her mother is arrested for killing her abusive father. Suitable for ages 9-12, it addresses difficult topics with emotional depth and thoughtfulness, making it an impactful read for mature readers in this age group.

Why we rated The last to let go 9IE

The last to let go is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 760L across 369 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last to let go works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The last to let go as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Family Violence, Murder, Sexual Orientation.

Thematically, The last to let go explores family, coming of age, identity & self-discovery, sibling relationships, 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 family, coming of age, identity & self-discovery.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.