Falling

Sharon Dogar

Cover of Falling

Falling

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Sharon Dogar

Reading Level 7 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Neesh barely speaks, but her love story is louder than words. She and Sammy have shared a secret bond since they were little, even as the world around them tries to tear them apart. Their story isn't just about today—it's about the past trying to catch up, and why love sometimes means facing what others fear.

Themes

LovePrejudicesFate and fatalismEmotional problemsSelective mutism

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores the enduring love between Neesh, a Pakistani British girl with selective mutism, and Sammy, an English boy, as they navigate the challenges posed by cultural prejudices and family legacies. Suitable for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully addresses themes of emotional struggle, identity, and the impact of historical biases. Parents should be aware of elements involving prejudice and emotional difficulties portrayed in a sensitive manner.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Prejudices Emotional problems Selective mutism
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

304 pages
ISBN
9780545160698
Pages
304
Publisher
Scholastic
Published
2009
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

LovePrejudicesFate and FatalismEmotional ProblemsSelective MutismFamily LifeEnglandLove in FictionPrejudices in FictionSelective Mutism in FictionEmotional Problems in FictionFamily Life in FictionEngland in FictionFate and Fatalism in Fiction

Places

England