I Was Here
Gayle Forman
I Was Here
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gayle Forman
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if your best friend suddenly disappeared, leaving behind secrets no one saw coming? Cody travels to a new town to uncover the truth about Meg, discovering mysterious roommates, a boy with a guitar, and an encrypted file that might change everything. But can she handle what she finds inside?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores the aftermath of a teenager's suicide through the eyes of her best friend, Cody. As Cody uncovers hidden aspects of Meg's life, the story delves into themes of grief, mental health, and complex relationships. Recommended for readers aged 13 and up, it contains sensitive content related to suicide and emotional distress.
Why we rated I Was Here 12IE
I Was Here is written at a Level 7 reading level across 369 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Was Here works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate I Was Here 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide, Grief.
Thematically, I Was Here explores friendship, grief, mental health, coming of age, and teen fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, grief, mental health.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — 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
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
You are here
Jennifer E. Smith
You are here
Jennifer E. Smith
When you were here
Daisy Whitney
When you were here
Daisy Whitney
If I Stay
Gayle Forman
If I Stay
Gayle Forman
Cassie Was Here
Caroline Hickey
Cassie Was Here
Caroline Hickey
Being Here
Barry Jonsberg
Being Here
Barry Jonsberg
I Have Lost My Way
Gayle Forman
I Have Lost My Way
Gayle Forman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781410482556
- Pages
- 369
- Publisher
- Thorndike Press
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction