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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in? Cordelia Lu Hankins is different—she’s half Chinese, half Caucasian, and an albino—living in a quiet town where she feels alone. When she meets Squirl and kisses him for the first time, everything changes, but what will happen when she decides to follow him into the unknown?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Cordelia, a biracial albino girl growing up in 1918 Pacific Northwest, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure after running away to follow a boy she loves. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, set against historical backdrops like Seattle’s Luna Park sideshows. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes mild peril and emotional moments, making it ideal for readers ready to engage with complex characters and diverse themes.
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, multicultural, and identity & self-discovery — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The likes of me
Randall Beth Platt
The likes of me
Randall Beth Platt
Plce Like This
Steven Herrick
Plce Like This
Steven Herrick
They're Just Like Us
Anthony Lumpkin
They're Just Like Us
Anthony Lumpkin
When Likes Aren't Enough
Tim Bono
When Likes Aren't Enough
Tim Bono
I Like to be Me
Phoebe Rankin, Stenson, Elizabeth
I Like to be Me
Phoebe Rankin, Stenson, Elizabeth
I like who I am
Tara White
I like who I am
Tara White
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440228806
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Laurel Leaf
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction