David
Marie Rothenberg
David
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marie Rothenberg
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.
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About This Book
David is one of the bravest kids you'll ever meet—he survived burns on almost his entire body. His journey shows how courage can shine even in the darkest moments. This story proves that true strength comes from the heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel tells the inspiring story of a young boy named David who survives severe third-degree burns on ninety-eight percent of his body. It's a heartfelt exploration of resilience and recovery, suitable for ages 9-12, though parents should be aware of the intense physical trauma described. The book sensitively handles difficult themes of injury and healing without graphic detail.
Why we rated David 11ME
David is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate David 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, 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 biography, handicapped children, family, and resilience — 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 biography, handicapped children, family.
- ✓ 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
11ME — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780425087664
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Berkley Publishing Group
- Published
- May 1, 1986
- Type
- Nonfiction