It's not Destiny
Kelsey Abrams
It's not Destiny
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An Abby Story
by Kelsey Abrams
Illustrated by Tejido, Jomike, illustrator
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Abby grips Destiny’s leash tightly as the nervous German shepherd backs away, ears pinned and tail low. The ranch buzzes with animals needing care, but Abby’s focus is on helping Destiny trust again. Just as Abby thinks she’s making progress, a sudden noise from the beach makes both of them freeze—what’s coming next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set on a Texas ranch, this middle-grade novel follows Abby Ramirez as she helps an anxious dog named Destiny while confronting her own fears. The story gently explores themes of autism, family teamwork, and personal growth, making it suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the emotional challenges around anxiety and fear are handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated It's not Destiny 9LE
It's not Destiny is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 118 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, It's not Destiny works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate It's not Destiny as 9LE ("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, It's not Destiny explores hispanic americans, autism, ranch life, friendship, and animals — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about hispanic americans, autism, ranch life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781631631450
- Pages
- 118
- Publisher
- Jolly Fish Press
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction