A parting gift
Frances Sharkey
A parting gift
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Frances Sharkey
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
This book tells the powerful story of a doctor who meets a brave young boy named David fighting leukemia. She discovers what it truly means to be strong when facing something as scary as death—and learns lessons that change her forever. It's a story about courage and the special ways we care for those who are very sick.
Themes
Quick Assessment
A Parting Gift is a sensitive middle-grade fiction book exploring the emotional journey of a pediatrician and her young leukemia patient. It provides insight into the psychological aspects of children facing terminal illness, focusing on themes of courage, grief, and emotional needs. Suitable for ages 9-12, it handles the topic of death with care and may prompt meaningful conversations about loss and empathy.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
I never got to say good-bye
Alida E. Young
I never got to say good-bye
Alida E. Young
A short life well lived
Tom Sullivan
A short life well lived
Tom Sullivan
A lookat death
Maria S. Forrai
A lookat death
Maria S. Forrai
The Gift of Life 2
Parichehr Yomtoob
The Gift of Life 2
Parichehr Yomtoob
Living with Death and Dying
Kubler
Living with Death and Dying
Kubler
The Child and death
Olle Jane Z. Sahler
The Child and death
Olle Jane Z. Sahler
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0312597487
- Pages
- 162
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Press
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Nonfiction