The other side of free
Krista Russell
The other side of free
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Krista Russell
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
The crackle of firewood and the salty breeze mix as Jem steps into Fort Mose, a place both strange and full of promise. At just thirteen, he's fled the chains of slavery, but now faces Phaedra’s fierce gaze and strict rules. Every small move Jem makes could change everything, stirring feelings he never expected.
Quick Assessment
Set in 1739, this middle-grade historical fiction follows thirteen-year-old Jem, a fugitive slave who escapes British captivity and arrives at Fort Mose in Spanish Florida. The story explores Jem's challenges under the watch of Phaedra, highlighting themes of freedom, resilience, and the complexities of trust. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book addresses the harsh realities of slavery with sensitivity appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The other side of free 11IE
The other side of free is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The other side of free works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The other side of free as 11IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — 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 other side of free explores historical, coming of age, family, adventure, and social justice — 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 historical, coming of age, family.
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
11IE — Intense — 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 Other Side of Dark
Sarah Smith
The Other Side of Dark
Sarah Smith
River runs deep
Jennifer Bradbury
River runs deep
Jennifer Bradbury
Stealing freedom
Elisa Lynn Carbone
Stealing freedom
Elisa Lynn Carbone
A winding road to freedom
Randall Wisehart
A winding road to freedom
Randall Wisehart
Stealing Freedom
Elisa Carbone
Stealing Freedom
Elisa Carbone
The other side of the invisible fence
Trevor Romain
The other side of the invisible fence
Trevor Romain
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781561457106
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Peachtree Publishing Company
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction