What reading level is Things I should have known?

Things I should have known by Claire Scovell LaZebnik is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 690L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Things I should have known appropriate for?

Things I should have known is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Things I should have known?

Things I should have known is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does Things I should have known have any content warnings?

Things I should have known has a HootRating of 8LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Things I should have known?

Things I should have known by Claire Scovell LaZebnik is 314 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Things I should have known

Claire Scovell LaZebnik

Things I should have known

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Claire Scovell LaZebnik

Reading Level 3-4 8LE Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The buzz of the busy city mixes with the soft laughter of two sisters sharing secrets. One sister is finding her way through the noisy world, while the other watches with hope and heart. Sometimes, love is about understanding what’s left unspoken.

Themes

SistersAutismFriendship FamilySocial CustomsJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This gentle story explores the relationship between two sisters, one of whom is autistic, as the older sister navigates social customs and dating with the support of her younger sibling. Written for early readers aged 5-8, it offers insight into autism and family bonds with sensitivity and warmth. Parents should note its focus on social themes suitable for young children.

Why we rated Things I should have known 8LE

Things I should have known is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 690L across 314 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Things I should have known works for readers up to grade 5.5.

We rate Things I should have known as 8LE ("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, Things I should have known explores sisters, autism, friendship, family, and social customs — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about sisters, autism, friendship.