I am still alive
Kate Alice Marshall
I am still alive
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kate Alice Marshall
The text is written at a 7th 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
What if you were left alone in a frozen wilderness with nothing but your courage and a loyal dog? Imagine your home gone, your family lost, and a secret that puts you in danger. Can you survive the wild—and face the mystery that took your father’s life?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Jess, a young girl suddenly stranded in the harsh Canadian wilderness after her father’s death. Combining themes of survival, family secrets, and revenge, the story contains suspenseful elements and some mature topics like murder that may be intense for younger readers. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a gripping narrative with strong emotional and physical challenges.
Why we rated I am still alive 12IE
I am still alive is written at a Level 7 reading level across 314 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I am still alive works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate I am still alive as 12IE ("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, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Murder, Survival Peril, Revenge.
Thematically, I am still alive explores fathers and daughters, survival, adventure, mystery, and revenge — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fathers and daughters, survival, adventure.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780425290989
- Pages
- 314
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction