What reading level is All we can do is wait?

All we can do is wait by Richard Lawson is at a Level 6-7 reading level (Lexile 900L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is All we can do is wait appropriate for?

All we can do is wait is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is All we can do is wait?

All we can do is wait is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does All we can do is wait have any content warnings?

All we can do is wait has a HootRating of 11ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is All we can do is wait?

All we can do is wait by Richard Lawson is 275 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

All we can do is wait

Richard Lawson

All we can do is wait

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Richard Lawson

Reading Level 6-7 11ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

Find on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

This story shows how four teens discover the strength to face their fears after a sudden disaster shakes their city. Their courage and hope shine through as they wait for news about the people they love most. It proves that even in the hardest moments, bravery can change everything.

Themes

FamilyBrothers and SistersDatingLGBTQ+ RepresentationDisaster

Quick Assessment

Set in the tense hours following a bridge collapse in Boston, this middle-grade novel explores themes of family, identity, and resilience through the perspectives of four teenagers. The story thoughtfully addresses social issues such as dating norms and LGBTQ+ identities, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the emotional intensity surrounding disaster and family uncertainty, which is handled with care.

Why we rated All we can do is wait 11ME

All we can do is wait is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 900L across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, All we can do is wait works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate All we can do is wait as 11ME ("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, All we can do is wait explores family, brothers and sisters, dating, lgbtq+ representation, and disaster — 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 family, brothers and sisters, dating.

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.