Eating disorders
David Goodnough
Eating disorders
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Hot Issue
by David Goodnough
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered why some kids might stop eating even when they're very hungry? Imagine feeling scared of food and wishing you could just be normal again. What happens when these feelings take over?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces young children to the difficult topic of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, in an age-appropriate way. It explains causes, symptoms, and risks while gently encouraging understanding and awareness. Parents should note the sensitive subject matter and be prepared to discuss it with their child, as it addresses serious health issues.
Why we rated Eating disorders 8ME
Eating disorders is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Eating disorders works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Eating disorders as 8ME ("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, Eating disorders explores eating disorders, mental health, health education, and juvenile literature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about eating disorders, mental health, health education.
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
8ME — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Eating disorders
Marylou Ambrose
Eating disorders
Marylou Ambrose
Anorexia Nervosa
Erica Smith
Anorexia Nervosa
Erica Smith
Eating Disorders
Joy Berry
Eating Disorders
Joy Berry
Nutrition and Eating Disorders, Third Edition
Mary Grosvenor
Nutrition and Eating Disorders, Third Edition
Mary Grosvenor
Nutrition And Eating Disorders (Eating Right: An Introduction to Human Nutrition)
Lori A. Smolin
Nutrition And Eating Disorders (Eating Right: An Introduction to Human Nutrition)
Lori A. Smolin
Coping with Eating Disorders
Carmen Cusido
Coping with Eating Disorders
Carmen Cusido
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0766013367
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Enslow Publishing
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction