What's broken between us
Alexis Bass
What's broken between us
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alexis Bass
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
Not all heroes wear capes—sometimes they make mistakes that change everything. Amanda's brother made a choice that hurt people deeply, but Amanda's love for him is a secret no one understands. What happens when the past comes crashing back and she has to face the truth?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complex emotions surrounding family, forgiveness, and the consequences of difficult choices. Amanda struggles with her brother's past actions and the impact on those around her, including reconnecting with Henry, whose sister was severely injured. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, it deals with themes of family problems and social challenges in a sensitive way.
Why we rated What's broken between us 11IE
What's broken between us is written at a Level 6 reading level across 298 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What's broken between us works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate What's broken between us as 11IE ("Intense — 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, What's broken between us explores family, coming of age, friendship, juvenile fiction, and dating — 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 family, coming of age, friendship.
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
11IE — Intense — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062275356
- Pages
- 298
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction