Faking normal
Courtney C. Stevens
Faking normal
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Courtney C. Stevens
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
What happens when the secrets you keep inside start to weigh too much? Alexi hides in her closet, counting the air vent slats, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside. Then Bodee moves in, and suddenly everything feels a little less alone—but can they both face their pasts together?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This realistic middle-grade novel explores complex themes of trauma, healing, and friendship through the story of Alexi, a girl coping with a traumatic event, and Bodee, a boy with his own difficult history. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book sensitively addresses the impact of sexual assault and the importance of finding support and courage. Parents should be aware of mature emotional content and may want to discuss these topics with their children.
Why we rated Faking normal 12IE
Faking normal is written at a Level 7 reading level across 321 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Faking normal works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Faking normal as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Assault.
Thematically, Faking normal explores secrets, friendship, trauma and healing, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about secrets, friendship, trauma and healing.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062245380
- Pages
- 321
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction