The rivals

Daisy Whitney

Cover of The rivals

The rivals

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Daisy Whitney

Reading Level 7 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Alex Patrick leads a secret society that protects her school, but this year, the biggest challenge isn’t bullying or hate—it’s a hidden drug ring helping students cheat. She’s caught in a web of secrets where every new clue threatens her friendships and shakes her trust. What happens when justice isn’t clear-cut, and the lines between right and wrong start to blur?

Themes

School StoriesYoung Adult FictionFriendshipJusticeCheating (Education)

Quick Assessment

This young adult novel explores complex themes of peer pressure, justice, and the consequences of cheating within an elite boarding school setting. Suitable for teens aged 13 and up, it deals with topics such as assault, drug use, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The story thoughtfully examines the impact of secrets and loyalty, making it a compelling read for mature adolescents.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Emotional: Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery Physical/Safety: Mild Peril Social: Substance Use
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

344 pages
ISBN
9780316090568
Pages
344
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published
2013
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

School StoriesYoung Adult FictionCheatingPrivate SchoolsBoarding SchoolsSchoolsConduct of LifeSecret SocietiesDrug Abuse