Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The other F-word
Natasha Friend
The other F-word
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Natasha Friend
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
She stands frozen in the middle of the crowded park, clutching a faded photo that might change everything she knows about her family. Questions swirl like a storm inside her—who really are her parents? Just as she’s about to find out, a mysterious figure steps out of the shadows.
Quick Assessment
This story follows a teenage girl conceived through in vitro fertilization as she embarks on a journey to discover her biological origins. Suitable for early readers, the book gently explores themes of identity and family diversity, including children of sperm donors and LGBTQ+ parents. Parents should note the book’s sensitive treatment of family and personal questions, presented in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated The other F-word 8LE
The other F-word is written at a Level 3 reading level with a Lexile measure of 580L across 328 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The other F-word works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The other F-word as 8LE ("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 other F-word explores lgbtq+ representation, family, identity & self-discovery, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, family, identity & self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374302344
- Pages
- 328
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 580L