Going too far
Jennifer Echols
Going too far
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jennifer Echols
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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
Seventeen-year-old Meg's spring break takes an unexpected turn when she ends up in a quiet Alabama town, shadowing a new police officer on night duty. As they navigate the challenges of the job, Meg discovers feelings she never saw coming. Between the thrill of the night shift and the struggles around her, she learns about love and facing life's tough moments.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include panic attacks, family problems, death. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Going too far 9MP
Going too far is written at a Level 4-5 reading level (approximately 61,470 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going too far works for readers up to grade 6.5.
Read aloud, Going too far runs about 6.8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Going too far as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Panic Attacks, Family Problems, Death, Emotional.
Thematically, Going too far explores coming of age, romance, family, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 coming of age, romance, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! 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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Over the edge
Patricia H. Rushford
Over the edge
Patricia H. Rushford
Far from fair
Elana K. Arnold
Far from fair
Elana K. Arnold
Gone too far
Natalie D. Richards
Gone too far
Natalie D. Richards
Good and gone
Megan Frazer Blakemore
Good and gone
Megan Frazer Blakemore
So over my head
Jenny B. Jones
So over my head
Jenny B. Jones
Beyond Molasses creek
Nicole Seitz
Beyond Molasses creek
Nicole Seitz
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416571735
- Publisher
- Pocket Books, MTV Books
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 61,470
- Read-Aloud
- ~6h 50m