The likes of me
Randall Beth Platt
The likes of me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Randall Beth Platt
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be different in a world that doesn’t understand you? Cordelia Lu Hankins is albino and part Chinese, living a lonely life far from anyone who looks like her. When she meets the charming Squirl, everything changes—but will following her heart lead to adventure or trouble?
Quick Assessment
This coming-of-age novel follows Cordelia Lu Hankins, a mixed-race albino girl in 1918, as she escapes her isolated life to explore the lively world of Seattle’s Luna Park. The story touches on themes of identity, belonging, and first love, with some moments of mild peril and emotional challenge suitable for middle-grade readers. Parents should note the historical setting and topics like running away and family conflict, but the book ultimately offers a thoughtful look at self-discovery.
Why we rated The likes of me 11ME
The likes of me is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The likes of me works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The likes of me as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The likes of me explores coming of age, family, adventure, identity & self-discovery, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385326920
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction