Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The secret of Goldenrod
Jane O'Reilly
The secret of Goldenrod
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane O'Reilly
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever moved to a new place and wondered if you could finally belong? Trina moves into a spooky old mansion called Goldenrod, hoping to find a fresh start and a best friend. But when the other kids tease her and strange things begin happening, what secret could this mysterious house be hiding?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Trina, a young girl adjusting to a new home in an abandoned mansion called Goldenrod. Themes of family relationships, friendship, and the challenges of moving are explored with gentle suspense and a touch of mystery suitable for ages 9-12. While there are mild moments of teasing and supernatural hints, the story maintains a warm tone focused on personal growth and connection.
Why we rated The secret of Goldenrod 9LE
The secret of Goldenrod is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 740L across 370 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The secret of Goldenrod works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The secret of Goldenrod as 9LE ("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 secret of Goldenrod explores fathers and daughters, household moving, mothers and daughters, friendship, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fathers and daughters, household moving, mothers and daughters.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781512401356
- Pages
- 370
- Publisher
- Carolrhoda Books ®
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 740L