What reading level is Tough Love?

Tough Love by Anne Cassidy is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Tough Love appropriate for?

Tough Love is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is Tough Love?

Tough Love is fiction — Criminal behavior.

Does Tough Love have any content warnings?

Tough Love has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — 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 Tough Love?

Tough Love by Anne Cassidy is 192 pages.

Tough Love

Anne Cassidy

Tough Love

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Anne Cassidy

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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.

Find on Amazon

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

About This Book

What if the person you care about keeps secrets darker than you imagined? Gina thinks Tony is perfect—kind, thoughtful, and always there for her. But when she finds him drunk and with blood on his clothes, everything changes. How far would you go to protect someone you love?

Themes

Friendship Coming of Age FamilyMoral Complexity

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores complex themes of trust, loyalty, and moral dilemmas as Gina grapples with the reality of someone she cares about being involved in crime. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story handles mature topics such as deception and emotional conflict with sensitivity, though parents should be aware of references to alcohol and potentially distressing situations.