Forgetting Foster
Dianne Touchell
Forgetting Foster
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dianne Touchell
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Foster is facing something no kid expects—watching his dad slowly disappear right before his eyes. The strange, confusing feeling of missing someone who's still there turns Foster's world upside down. This story shows why holding on to memories matters more than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Forgetting Foster explores a young boy's experience as his father battles Alzheimer's disease, delivering a heartfelt and honest portrayal suitable for ages 9-12. The story sensitively addresses themes of family, memory loss, and emotional resilience without graphic content, making it a valuable read for children encountering similar family challenges.
Why we rated Forgetting Foster 11ME
Forgetting Foster is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Forgetting Foster works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Forgetting Foster as 11ME ("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, Forgetting Foster explores family, emotional resilience, memory loss, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, emotional resilience, memory loss.
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
11ME — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Forget me not
Elliah Terry
Forget me not
Elliah Terry
Unremembered
Jessica Brody
Unremembered
Jessica Brody
The Forgetting
Nicole Maggi
The Forgetting
Nicole Maggi
Forgotten
Cat Patrick
Forgotten
Cat Patrick
Waiting to forget
Sheila Kelly Welch
Waiting to forget
Sheila Kelly Welch
Remember to forget
Ashley Royer
Remember to forget
Ashley Royer
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781760110796
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Allen & Unwin
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction