This is not for you.
Jane Rule
This is not for you.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Rule
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.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: back in the 1950s, a young woman discovered something about herself that no one dared to talk about. She navigates bustling cities and close friendships while holding onto a truth that could change everything—but that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows a young woman in the late 1950s and early 1960s as she explores her lesbian identity amidst strict societal expectations. It offers historical insight into LGBTQ+ experiences with thoughtful depiction of friendship and self-discovery, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the book addresses themes of identity and societal challenges in a sensitive way.
Why we rated This is not for you. 11ME
This is not for you. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 284 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This is not for you. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate This is not for you. 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, social complexity — 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, This is not for you. explores lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, friendship, and historical — 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 lgbtq+ representation, coming of age, friendship.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0841500053
- Pages
- 284
- Publisher
- New York : McCall Publishing Company
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction