I don't care
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
I don't care
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
Have you ever tried to ignore a big, heavy feeling? Imagine a boy who says, "I don't care," hoping his sadness will just go away. But what happens when feelings don’t listen?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This gently illustrated fiction book explores a young boy's experience with grief and the common reaction of denial. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it offers a sensitive introduction to understanding and acknowledging emotions. Parents should be aware it addresses the theme of loss in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Why we rated I don't care 7ME
I don't care is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I don't care works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate I don't care as 7ME ("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, I don't care explores grief, joy, fiction, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about grief, joy, fiction.
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
7ME — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
"I Don't Care!" Said the Bear
Colin West
"I Don't Care!" Said the Bear
Colin West
Who cares?
Krista Bell
Who cares?
Krista Bell
I'm a Bear. I Don't Care
Andrew Bockus
I'm a Bear. I Don't Care
Andrew Bockus
I Just Don't Feel Like It
Abby Grillot
I Just Don't Feel Like It
Abby Grillot
I Don't Want To!
Keiko Sena
I Don't Want To!
Keiko Sena
Don't Care High
Gordon Korman
Don't Care High
Gordon Korman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440436850
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Yearling
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction