Us kids know
JJ Strong
Us kids know
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by JJ Strong
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What happens when two siblings, feeling alone and bullied at school, cross paths with someone who promises excitement and belonging? Ray and Bri O'Dell find themselves drawn into a world filled with risky choices and deep feelings. But can they escape the shadows before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores the challenges faced by siblings Ray and Bri O'Dell as they encounter bullying, social isolation, and the allure of crime and romance. Suitable for teenagers aged 13-18, the story deals with themes of peer pressure, identity, and consequences of risky behavior. Parents should be aware of mature topics including delinquency and emotional struggles.
Why we rated Us kids know 12ME
Us kids know is written at a Level 7 reading level across 389 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Us kids know works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Us kids know as 12ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying, Delinquency, Romantic Content.
Thematically, Us kids know explores interpersonal relations, young adult fiction, brothers and sisters, high schools, and schools — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about interpersonal relations, young adult fiction, brothers and sisters.
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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780448494173
- Pages
- 389
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction