Breaking the fall
Michael Cadnum
Breaking the fall
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Cadnum
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of a branch snaps underfoot as Stanley and Jared step deeper into the shadowy woods. The air is thick with the scent of damp leaves and something colder—fear. As the game twists and turns, Stanley feels his world starting to crumble, but the real danger might be more than just the game itself.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Stanley, a boy struggling with challenges in his life who gets drawn into a risky game by his friend Jared. The story explores themes of friendship and fear, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should be aware that the book includes situations involving emotional tension and mild peril.
Why we rated Breaking the fall 9LE
Breaking the fall is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 131 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Breaking the fall works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Breaking the fall as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Breaking the fall weaves together games and friendship.
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 games, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780670846870
- Pages
- 131
- Publisher
- Viking Juvenile
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction