The smell of other people's houses
Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
The smell of other people's houses
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
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
Life in 1970s Alaska is tougher than anywhere else, and these four kids prove it. Each one faces big challenges, from loss to wild surprises, but their stories connect in ways you won’t expect. What they discover about themselves changes everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1970s Alaska, this middle-grade novel explores the lives of four young characters navigating hardship, tragedy, and unexpected hope. The book portrays complex themes of friendship, family, and resilience with authentic historical detail, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the emotional depth and nuanced depiction of difficult life situations.
Why we rated The smell of other people's houses 11ME
The smell of other people's houses is written at a Level 6 reading level across 227 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The smell of other people's houses works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The smell of other people's houses 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 — 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 smell of other people's houses explores friendship, family, history, adventure, and survival — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, history.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Sweet home Alaska
Carole Estby Dagg
Sweet home Alaska
Carole Estby Dagg
Rusty Summer
Mary McKinley
Rusty Summer
Mary McKinley
Alaska
Luree Miller
Alaska
Luree Miller
The house on Stink Alley
F. N. Monjo
The house on Stink Alley
F. N. Monjo
Sniff a skunk!
Mary Amato
Sniff a skunk!
Mary Amato
The other people
Janet McNeill
The other people
Janet McNeill
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553497786
- Pages
- 227
- Publisher
- Wendy Lamb Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction