Going
Sumner Locke Elliott
Going
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sumner Locke Elliott
The text is written at a 4th 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
Tess Brackennek has lived a full life, but in her world, turning 65 means something shocking—it's time to say goodbye forever. This isn't because she's sick or old, but because the world she lives in has made a rule no one wants to face. What would you do if your age decided your fate?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in a near-future America struggling with overpopulation, this middle-grade novel explores a society where citizens aged 65 must undergo compulsory euthanasia. Through Tess Bracken's memories and experiences, the story contrasts a nostalgic past with a dystopian present, addressing themes of aging, societal control, and human connection. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book handles heavy themes with emotional depth but may prompt important discussions about mortality and ethics.
Why we rated Going 9IE
Going is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 170 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Going as 9IE ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Death, Dystopian Society, Euthanasia.
Thematically, Going explores family, coming of age, social justice, dystopia, and memory — 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, coming of age, social justice.
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.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0060112425
- Pages
- 170
- Publisher
- Harper & Row
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction