Truth (Chasing Yesterday)
Robin Wasserman
Truth (Chasing Yesterday)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robin Wasserman
The text is written at a 6th 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
J.D. races through the shadows of the institute, her heart pounding as secrets swirl around her. She’s not just any girl—she’s a powerful weapon with a mind full of mysteries waiting to be unlocked. But someone is closing in, and the truth might be more dangerous than she imagined.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows J.D., a girl discovering her extraordinary powers while uncovering secrets about her past at a mysterious institute. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains themes of identity and adventure with mild peril. Parents should note the story includes suspenseful moments as J.D. confronts challenges tied to her unique abilities.
Why we rated Truth (Chasing Yesterday) 11LE
Truth (Chasing Yesterday) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Truth (Chasing Yesterday) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Truth (Chasing Yesterday) as 11LE ("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, Truth (Chasing Yesterday) explores science & nature, adventure, coming of age, and fantasy world-building — 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 science & nature, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780439933421
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Topeka Bindery
- Published
- September 1, 2007
- Type
- Fiction