David v. God
Mary Pearson
David v. God
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary Pearson
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
After narrowly escaping death, clever David James is convinced something went wrong. To prove his point, he joins forces with the brainy 'Queen of the Nerds' from school, gearing up for an epic showdown of wits with God.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include near-death experience, religious themes. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated David v. God 9LP
David v. God is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages (approximately 22,530 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David v. God works for readers up to grade 6.4.
Read aloud, David v. God runs about 2.5 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate David v. God as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Near-Death Experience, Religious Themes.
Thematically, David v. God explores coming of age, humor, philosophy, and friendship — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, humor, philosophy.
Maybe not for
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0152020586
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- HMH Books For Young Readers
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 22,530
- Read-Aloud
- ~2h 30m
- Text Density
- Standard