A short life well lived

Tom Sullivan

Cover of A short life well lived

A short life well lived

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Tom Sullivan

Reading Level 6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th 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.

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About This Book

The sharp scent of hospital flowers fills the air, mixing with the soft hum of whispered prayers. Brian, who can’t see the world like you and I, faces the toughest challenge yet when his little boy falls very ill. In this quiet battle of hope and heartache, Brian learns what it truly means to be strong.

Themes

BlindnessCancerFamilyFaithEmotional Resilience

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel tells the story of Brian O'Connor, a blind lawyer whose life is upended when his young son is diagnosed with cancer. It explores themes of disability, illness, family resilience, and faith, providing a heartfelt look at coping with hardship. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles serious topics with sensitivity and is appropriate for readers ready to engage with emotional challenges.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Illness & Injury Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Loss & Grief
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

256 pages
ISBN
9781439192276
Pages
256
Publisher
Howard Books
Published
2011
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

BlindSick ChildrenLawyersCancerPatientsBoston

Places

Boston (Mass.)