Under the rainbow
Jeanette A. Auger, Kate Krug
Under the rainbow
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Primer on Queer Issues in Canada
by Jeanette A. Auger, Kate Krug
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
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live a life full of colors and stories beneath the rainbow? Imagine exploring the journeys of people who are brave enough to be themselves in Canada, facing challenges and making history. What secrets and stories will unfold as you dive into their world?
Quick Assessment
Under the Rainbow offers an insightful and age-appropriate introduction to the social and political history of LGBTQ+ lives in Canada. Designed for middle-grade readers, it addresses topics such as identity, history, health, and community contributions while sensitively exploring diverse experiences. Parents should note that it presents complex social themes in a respectful and educational manner suitable for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Under the rainbow 11ME
Under the rainbow is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Under the rainbow works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Under the rainbow 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Under the rainbow explores lgbtq+ representation, multicultural, coming of age, social justice, and history — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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, multicultural, coming of age.
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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1869530357
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Fernwood Publishing
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Fiction