Doing It
Melvin Burgess
Doing It
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Melvin Burgess
The text is written at a 7th 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
Here's a secret many kids wonder about but don't always talk about: what really happens when you start 'doing it'? This story dives into the funny, awkward, and sometimes confusing moments of growing up, but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Melvin Burgess offers a candid and humorous look at the complexities of adolescent life, focusing on the experiences surrounding early teenage relationships and sexuality. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this book handles its themes with honesty and sensitivity, though parents should be aware it discusses sexual topics appropriate for mature 9-12 year olds.
Why we rated Doing It 12ME
Doing It is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Doing It works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Doing It as 12ME ("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 — 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, Doing It explores coming of age, friendship, family, and humor — 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 coming of age, friendship, family.
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
12ME — 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
2/10A 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
- 9781783440634
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- Andersen Press (UK)
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction