Things I Should Have Known
Claire LaZebnik
Things I Should Have Known
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Claire LaZebnik
The text is written at a 7th 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
Chloe races through the halls, determined to play matchmaker for her sister Ivy, who has autism. When Ethan, a quiet boy from Ivy's class, enters the picture, Chloe tries to keep her distance from his brother David—but they all end up tangled in a plan that might change everything. Just as a movie night begins, a surprising secret threatens to turn their world upside down.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of autism, sisterhood, and first love through the eyes of Chloe, who tries to help her older sister Ivy find friendship and romance. The story thoughtfully portrays neurodiversity and family dynamics with warmth and humor, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book’s gentle treatment of social challenges and romantic feelings without explicit content.
Why we rated Things I Should Have Known 12ME
Things I Should Have Known is written at a Level 7 reading level across 325 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Things I Should Have Known works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Things I Should Have Known as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Things I Should Have Known explores friendship, family, coming of age, romance, and disability representation — 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 friendship, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781328698940
- Pages
- 325
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction