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You know me well

Nina LaCour

Cover of You know me well

You know me well

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Nina LaCour

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Friendship can change everything, especially during one unforgettable Pride week in San Francisco. When two very different kids meet, their bond grows stronger than anyone expected. This story shows how love and understanding can light up even the darkest times.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores the blossoming friendship between two kids during Pride week in San Francisco, highlighting themes of love and self-discovery. It is appropriate for ages 9-12 and gently introduces topics related to LGBTQ+ identity without explicit content. The story offers a positive message about acceptance and the power of connection.

Why we rated You know me well 11LE

You know me well is written at a Level 6 reading level across 250 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, You know me well works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate You know me well as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, You know me well explores friendship, love, lgbtq+ representation, and coming of age — 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about friendship, love, lgbtq+ representation.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
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

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

250 pages
ISBN
9781250098641
Pages
250
Publisher
Macmillan
Published
2016
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

LoveHomosexualityFriendshipLGBTQ Young AdultYoung Adult FictionRomance FictionLove & RomanceSocial IssuesGay TeenagersHigh School Students