A Secret Shared
by Patricia MacLachlan
HarperCollins 2021
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.4 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family
- adoption
- identity
- secrets and honesty
- sibling relationships
- love and belonging
- trust
- self-discovery
About this book
Nora and Ben adore their little sister Birdy, who loves holding onto secrets—some small, some big. When curiosity about family roots stirs up unexpected questions, the siblings must navigate what it means to belong and to tell the truth with love. Patricia MacLachlan’s gentle, lyrical story explores family bonds, identity, and honesty in an age-appropriate way. Perfect for readers who enjoy quiet, heartfelt stories and realistic family dynamics.
Setting: a contemporary small-town family home
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Secret Shared right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Secret Shared. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, adoption, identity.
How long does it take to read A Secret Shared?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, A Secret Shared takes around 1.3h to finish. The book has 10,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Secret Shared have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Secret Shared has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Secret Shared?
A Secret Shared has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.