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You Have a Match

Emma Lord

Cover of You Have a Match

You Have a Match

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Emma Lord

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The crisp click of a DNA test kit breaking open fills the room, promising secrets hidden in strands of hair. Abby thought she knew her story—but then she discovers a sister with shimmering hair and a life completely different from her own. What happens when two worlds, so far apart, collide in one unforgettable summer?

Quick Assessment

This young adult novel explores themes of family, adoption, and self-discovery as Abby uncovers she has a secret sister. Suitable for ages 13 and up, it thoughtfully addresses complex family dynamics and the emotional journey of coming of age. Parents should note the story includes themes of adoption and family secrets, handled with sensitivity.

Why we rated You Have a Match 12ME

You Have a Match is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, You Have a Match works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate You Have a Match as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 emotional weight — 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, You Have a Match explores coming of age, family, adoption & foster care, romance, and friendship — 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 coming of age, family, adoption & foster care.

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

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

336 pages
ISBN
9781250825810
Pages
336
Publisher
Wednesday Books
Published
2022
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Young Adult Fiction, Family, AdoptionYoung Adult Fiction, Coming of AgeYoung Adult Fiction, Family, SiblingsYoung Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary