What age are Cecily Anne Paterson books suitable for?
There’s no upper age limit on my readers. Adults and young adults alike love my books (and leave some very kind reviews.)
For lower age limits, parents should judge what is suitable for their child. All my books are rated PG—with no swearing, no sex and no drug or alcohol use. A good reader of 9 or 10 could manage the literacy.
Does author Cecily Anne Paterson include family friendly content for my middle grade reader or preteen?
All Cecily Anne Paterson books include a hopeful, positive ending, a practical, loving female mentor, loving family relationships. They place a high value on honesty, kindness and friendship.
Some books have some heavy themes but they are sensitively handled (details listed below). Please consider whether they are right for your child.
The Invisible series by author Cecily Anne Paterson
These books feature a 13 year old character who gets older through the three books.
Book 1 mentions the death of her father (by suicide) and his possible bi-polar disorder, but not in detail. There is some bullying, a mild romance, some hand holding and one kiss.
Book 2 mentions more kissing, her discomfort with her boyfriend who she feels is pushing her, and her confusion about what to do. There is some mild violence in one of her dreams when she kills a non-human figure that has been scaring her.
Book 3 features the character interacting with friends who are deaf. Issues of fitting in and culture are featured, including mention of cochlear implants.
Coco and Charlie Franks Novels by author Cecily Anne Paterson
This series features twins who are aged 13 in book 1 and 14 in book 2.
Book 1 includes some bullying by Year 8 girls who are into too much makeup and Year 10 boys. There’s an implied sexual harassment scene which is not seen, and then one that is seen. This is not presented as normal or good. There’s also a gentle, wholesome romance.
In Book 2, a baby foal is born, as well as a human baby. One twin makes a daring rescue ride on her horse across a swollen creek.
The Kangaroo Valley School Series by Cecily Anne Paterson
Each story follows a different 12 year old character who’s in Year 6 at Kangaroo Valley Public School. Friendship drama and ‘who am I’ questions loom large. There’s some meanness and bullying, but nothing out of the ordinary for general school life.
A very mild ‘I like you, do you like me?’ type relationship in Smart Girls Don’t Wear Mascara.
Lola in the Middle features juvenile Type 1 diabetes.
Maddie in How Not To Be Popular deals with honesty, lies and guilt.
The Ava Show takes place during the pandemic, with mention of Covid19, lockdowns and loneliness.
Pet Sitters: Ready for Anything by Cecily Anne Paterson
These Junior Readers are strictly G-rated and are for 5-8 year olds, either as read-alouds or for newly-independent readers. The Pet Sitters series features completely family friendly content. Note: the books feature Gus, a talking cat, and various animals that each have some unique, magical ability that the girls discover as they pet sit.