I almost died. Again
Alison DeCamp
I almost died. Again
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alison DeCamp
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if your summer was filled with wild adventures, a mysterious dad showing up, and the challenge of looking after a younger kid? Imagine Stanley Slater, aka Stan the Man, navigating school in 1895 Michigan while trying to figure out if he really wants to be like his infamous father. But what happens when the man he’s dreamed about isn’t quite who Stan expected?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows Stanley Slater in 1895 Michigan as he juggles school, caring for a younger boy, and meeting his estranged father, Captain Slater. The story blends humor with adventure and features imaginative storytelling techniques like scrapbook-style illustrations and clippings. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a lighthearted yet thoughtful look at family dynamics and self-discovery.
Why we rated I almost died. Again 11LE
I almost died. Again is written at a Level 6 reading level across 279 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I almost died. Again works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate I almost died. Again as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, I almost died. Again explores adventure, humor, historical, family, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, humor, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
Survival strategies of the almost brave
Jen White
Survival strategies of the almost brave
Jen White
My Near-Death Adventures (99% True!)
Alison DeCamp
My Near-Death Adventures (99% True!)
Alison DeCamp
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California
Mary Hershey
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California
Mary Hershey
Almost super
Marion Jensen
Almost super
Marion Jensen
The almost king
Lucy Saxon
The almost king
Lucy Saxon
Almost a Hero
Clyde Robert Bulla, Ben Stahl
Almost a Hero
Clyde Robert Bulla, Ben Stahl
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385390484
- Pages
- 279
- Publisher
- Crown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction