HootRated mascot HootRated

Together at midnight

Jennifer Castle

Cover of Together at midnight

Together at midnight

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jennifer Castle

Reading Level 7 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Combining the emotional deftness of Sarah Dessen with the magical spark of New York City in wintertime, this affecting novel will inspire readers to pay closer attention to the world around them. What does it really mean to be kind . . . and why does it sometimes feel like the hardest thing in the world to do? High school senior Kendall, who just returned from a life-changing semester in Europe, and Max, who is drifting his way through a gap year before college, struggle with these questions when they witness a tragic accident in New York City during the holiday season. Racked with guilt, the two accept a dare to perform random acts of kindness to strangers. The challenge pulls these two teens, who have a history together from back home, closer and closer as they explore a vibrant city filled with other people’s stories and secrets. Kendall and Max can’t deny their growing bond, even though they both have other romantic entanglements and uncertain futures. As the clock counts down on New Year’s Eve, will they find themselves together at midnight? Jennifer Castle’s latest novel is a romantic, thought-provoking tale of human connection and how we find—and make—our place in the world.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Together at midnight Level 0

Together at midnight is written at a Level 7 reading level across 334 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Together at midnight works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate Together at midnight as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

334 pages
ISBN
9780062250513
Pages
334
Publisher
HarperTeen
Published
2018
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

KindnessConduct of LifeDatingNew York

Places

New York (N.Y.)