How Our Filters and Ratings Work

Every reader is different. We break down each book’s content so you can make informed choices and avoid unwanted surprises.

Age RatingThis is a suggested minimum based on content sensitivity, similar to TV and movie ratings. Reading level varies by reader.

Star RatingsOur star ratings are designed with one priority in mind: helping cultivate a lifelong love of reading.

They reflect overall quality and reader engagement — including writing, pacing, readability, and how enjoyable a book is for its intended audience — rather than academic value or moral messaging.

★★★★★ Excellent — Highly engaging and well-crafted; readers are very likely to love and connect with the experience.

★★★★ Strong — Enjoyable and well-written; keeps readers interested and invested.

★★★ Fair — Readable and moderately engaging; may resonate with some readers more than others.

★★ Weak — Less engaging or harder to enjoy; may struggle to hold attention consistently.

★ Poor — Difficult to engage with or enjoy; reading may feel like effort rather than discovery.Star ratings do not measure morality, educational value, or life lessons. A humorous, light, or simple book children adore can earn five stars, and darker or more complex stories can also score highly when they are compelling and well-executed.

Filters Our filters let you choose what kind of content you want in a story.

Romance Filters

No Romance

No romantic themes. Relationships focus on friendship, family, or personal growth.

Low Romance

Light romantic elements such as crushes, brief attraction, or innocent affection. No sexual content.

Moderate Romance

Romantic relationships are part of the story and may include kissing or discussion of romantic feelings, but no explicit sexual detail.

High Romance

Romance is a major focus of the story and includes explicit sexual content or mature romantic themes.

Theme Filters

Light Themes

Uplifting, comforting, or humorous themes. Emotional tension is minimal and quickly resolved.

Mild Themes

Some serious or emotional moments, but overall balanced with hope, warmth, or lighter elements.

Moderate Themes

Emotionally weighty themes such as loss, fear, or hardship play a meaningful role in the story.

Intense Themes

Sustained emotional intensity throughout the book. May include distressing or heavy subject matter that some readers find overwhelming.

Violence Filters

No Violence

No physical violence is present. Conflict is handled without fighting, injury, or harm.

Low Violence

Brief or mild violence that is non-graphic, such as minor scuffles, off-page action, or cartoon-style peril.

Moderate Violence

Violence appears more regularly or plays a role in the story. Descriptions may include injury or danger but are not graphic.

High Violence

Frequent or intense violence, including graphic descriptions, serious injury, or death.