Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Falling over sideways
Jordan Sonnenblick
The text is written at a 5th 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. Its HootRating code, ME, means moderate content, mostly emotional.
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About This Book
Claire’s life has been a nonstop struggle between school bullies and feeling invisible at home, all while trying to match her perfect older brother. But when her dad suddenly has a stroke one morning, everything Claire thought she knew about her family flips upside down—and she’s forced to grow up faster than ever. This is a story about facing the unexpected and finding strength where you least expect it.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges of a thirteen-year-old girl coping with bullying, family dynamics, and her father’s sudden stroke. It sensitively addresses themes of disability and sibling relationships, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the portrayal of illness and emotional struggles, presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Falling over sideways ME (Moderate)
Falling over sideways is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 257 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage Falling over sideways on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate Falling over sideways as ME (Moderate, mostly 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, Falling over sideways explores family, middle schools, disability representation, coming of age, and brothers and sisters — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, middle schools, disability representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
ME · Moderate · EmotionalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
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
- 9780545863247
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction