The street
Kay Brellend
The street
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kay Brellend
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp smell of spilled beer mixes with the cold London rain as Alice clutches her baby sister's hand, dreaming of a place far from the yelling and broken glass. Every creak in their old house tells a story of struggle and silent tears, but Alice’s heart holds onto hope, even when the night feels darkest.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in a tough area of North London, this middle-grade novel explores the challenges faced by Alice, a young girl dealing with an alcoholic mother, an abusive uncle, and difficult family dynamics. The story addresses heavy themes such as family violence and social hardship, making it suitable for mature readers within the 9-12 age range who can handle emotional depth and sensitive topics.
Why we rated The street 12IE
The street is written at a Level 8 reading level across 412 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The street works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The street as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Family Violence, Alcohol Abuse.
Thematically, The street explores children of alcoholics, dysfunctional families, social conditions, family violence, and history — 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 children of alcoholics, dysfunctional families, social conditions.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Street Child (Plays Plus)
Berlie Doherty
Street Child (Plays Plus)
Berlie Doherty
Street Child (Galaxy Children's Large Print)
Berlie Doherty
Street Child (Galaxy Children's Large Print)
Berlie Doherty
Street Pharm
Allison van Diepen
Street Pharm
Allison van Diepen
Street family
Adrienne Jones
Street family
Adrienne Jones
Street kid
George Tarlington
Street kid
George Tarlington
Cry of the Streets
Gordon McLean
Cry of the Streets
Gordon McLean
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780750535786
- Pages
- 412
- Publisher
- Magna Large Print Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction