David
Marie Rothenberg
David
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marie Rothenberg
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
David is the bravest boy you’ll ever hear about—he survived burns over almost his entire body! His story shows how courage and hope can light up even the darkest moments. What will it take for David to heal and keep fighting?
Quick Assessment
This book tells the powerful story of David, a young boy who endured third-degree burns on 98% of his body and his journey to survive and recover. Appropriate for children ages 9-12, it sensitively addresses themes of trauma, resilience, and healing. Parents should be aware that the story involves descriptions of severe injury and medical treatment but is ultimately uplifting.
Why we rated David 9IE
David is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate David as 9IE ("Intense — 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, physical peril — 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, David explores disability representation, family, and survival — 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 disability representation, family, survival.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9IE — Intense — 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
- 0800712269
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Fleming H. Revell Company
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Nonfiction