David & Della
Paul Zindel
David & Della
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Paul Zindel
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
David scribbles furiously, but the words just won't come. Suddenly, Della bursts into the room, her wild energy filling the space—and secrets swirling just beneath her smile. What will happen when their worlds collide?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows David, a teenage playwright struggling with writer's block, as he becomes entangled with Della, a charismatic but troubled young actress dealing with alcoholism and deception. The story explores themes of creativity, complex interpersonal relationships, and the challenges of adolescence. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, it contains mature themes related to substance use and emotional struggles.
Why we rated David & Della 9ME
David & Della is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David & Della works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate David & Della 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use.
Thematically, David & Della explores interpersonal relations, coming of age, creativity, and emotional struggle — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about interpersonal relations, coming of age, creativity.
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.
Content Flags
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
- 9780553567274
- Pages
- 176
- Publisher
- Starfire
- Published
- November 1, 1995
- Type
- Fiction