Tussy is me
Hastings, Michael
Tussy is me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Romance
by Hastings, Michael
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you could step back in time to the bustling streets of 19th-century London and live the secret life of Eleanor Marx Aveling? Imagine discovering what it's like to be a brave young woman fighting for justice and equality when the world expects silence. But can Eleanor balance her dreams with the challenges that come her way?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel explores the life of Eleanor Marx Aveling, a pioneering woman socialist in 19th-century Great Britain. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces readers to themes of social justice and women's rights through a middle-grade narrative. The story offers a thoughtful look at historical struggles without intense content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in history and activism.
Why we rated Tussy is me 12MS
Tussy is me is written at a Level 8 reading level across 430 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tussy is me works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Tussy is me as 12MS ("Moderate — Social") 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 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Tussy is me explores historical, social justice, coming of age, and family — 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 historical, social justice, 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
12MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Introduction and notes by David Galef
Thomas Hardy
Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Introduction and notes by David Galef
Thomas Hardy
Tameisha's Adventure
Zoanne Evans
Tameisha's Adventure
Zoanne Evans
Tandy
B. J. Benson
Tandy
B. J. Benson
Growing up in the 1960s
Richard Tames
Growing up in the 1960s
Richard Tames
An extraordinary time
Mary Wittkower
An extraordinary time
Mary Wittkower
Tudor Times (Sense of History)
Sallie Purkis
Tudor Times (Sense of History)
Sallie Purkis
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0297177745
- Pages
- 430
- Publisher
- Weidenfeld & Nicolson
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction