The Six Rules of Maybe
by Deb Caletti
Simon and Schuster 2010
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- family dynamics
- boundaries
- first love
- identity
- responsibility
- codependency
- self-acceptance
- ethics and choices
About this book
Scarlet is a fixer—she notices everyone’s troubles and tries to make them better—until her sister returns home suddenly married and Scarlet’s feelings for the new brother-in-law blur every boundary she thought she knew. Set in a Pacific Northwest neighborhood, the story follows a thoughtful, sensitive teen learning where care ends and control begins. With Caletti’s trademark honesty and heart, it explores the messy ‘maybes’ of love, family, and growing up. Ideal for teens who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories with complicated relationships and hope.
Setting: contemporary suburban Seattle, Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Six Rules of Maybe right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Six Rules of Maybe. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include family dynamics, boundaries, first love.
How long does it take to read The Six Rules of Maybe?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Six Rules of Maybe takes around 9.4h to finish. The book has 93,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Six Rules of Maybe have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Six Rules of Maybe has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. 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 The Six Rules of Maybe?
The Six Rules of Maybe has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.