Addiction and Overdose
Connie Goldsmith
Addiction and Overdose
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Confronting an American Crisis
by Connie Goldsmith
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.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of medicine fills the air, mixing with whispers of struggle and hope. Inside, stories unfold of people caught in the grip of powerful drugs and the brave fight to break free. These tales show the strength behind recovery, but also the pain left when addiction takes hold.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book explores the serious issue of opioid addiction and overdose in the United States, presenting information in an age-appropriate way for middle-grade readers. It includes expert insights, personal stories of recovery and loss, and discusses the social, economic, and mental health factors involved. Parents should note that while the topic is sensitive, the book handles it with care and offers guidance on recognizing signs of addiction and overdose.
Why we rated Addiction and Overdose 9ME
Addiction and Overdose is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Addiction and Overdose works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Addiction and Overdose as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Addiction and Overdose explores addiction, mental health, social justice, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about addiction, mental health, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781512467796
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Twenty-First Century Books
- Published
- 2017-08-01
- Type
- Fiction