Alcohol and alcoholism
Ross Fishman
Alcohol and alcoholism
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Series 1
by Ross Fishman
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
Here's a secret: alcohol isn’t just a drink—it can become a tricky problem called alcoholism that changes lives in ways you might not expect. Some people think it can never be beaten, but what if there’s more to the story? That’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores alcohol abuse and alcoholism, presenting the topic as a serious disease that many believe can be managed but not fully cured. It is appropriate for readers aged 9-12 and introduces important health themes in an accessible way, without graphic content. Parents should be aware it discusses addiction realistically but sensitively.
Why we rated Alcohol and alcoholism 9ME
Alcohol and alcoholism is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 122 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Alcohol and alcoholism works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Alcohol and alcoholism 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 — 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, Alcohol and alcoholism explores alcoholism, health education, family, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about alcoholism, health education, family.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Alcoholism
Chris Varley
Alcoholism
Chris Varley
Alcohol
Elaine Landau
Alcohol
Elaine Landau
Alcohol and you
Jane Claypool Miner
Alcohol and you
Jane Claypool Miner
Alcohol
Jane Bingham
Alcohol
Jane Bingham
Teens Talk about Alcohol and Alcoholism
Paul Dolmetsch
Teens Talk about Alcohol and Alcoholism
Paul Dolmetsch
Investigate Alcohol
Marylou Ambrose
Investigate Alcohol
Marylou Ambrose
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0877547629
- Pages
- 122
- Publisher
- Chelsea House
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction