If it doesn't kill you
Margaret Bechard
If it doesn't kill you
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Margaret Bechard
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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
The sharp scent of fresh-cut grass fills the air as Ben laces up his football cleats, but his heart feels heavier than the autumn sky. While the crowd cheers for touchdowns, Ben’s mind races with worries about his dad’s new life and what it means for his own. Sometimes, the hardest plays happen off the field, where feelings are the toughest opponents.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the emotional challenges faced by a young boy dealing with his father’s coming out and separation from the family. It sensitively addresses themes of family change, identity, and acceptance appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the depiction of a father’s romantic relationship with another man, presented in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated If it doesn't kill you 9ME
If it doesn't kill you is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 156 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, If it doesn't kill you works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate If it doesn't kill you as 9ME ("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, social complexity — 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, If it doesn't kill you explores family, coming of age, interpersonal relations, lgbtq+ representation, and high school — 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.
- ✓ 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 family, coming of age, interpersonal relations.
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
9ME — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
A list of things that didn't kill me
Jason Schmidt
A list of things that didn't kill me
Jason Schmidt
First team
Tim Green
First team
Tim Green
Playing With the Boys
Liz Tigelaar
Playing With the Boys
Liz Tigelaar
Ben
Rosemary Hayes
Ben
Rosemary Hayes
Will you still love me if I don't win?
Christopher Andersonn
Will you still love me if I don't win?
Christopher Andersonn
Things I'd rather do than die
Christine Hurley Deriso
Things I'd rather do than die
Christine Hurley Deriso
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0670885479
- Pages
- 156
- Publisher
- Viking Juvenile
- Published
- 1999
- Type
- Fiction