What reading level is Just this side of normal?

Just this side of normal by Elizabeth K. Gerlach is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Just this side of normal appropriate for?

Just this side of normal is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Just this side of normal?

Just this side of normal is nonfiction — Biography & Autobiography.

Does Just this side of normal have any content warnings?

Just this side of normal has a HootRating of 9LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Just this side of normal?

Just this side of normal by Elizabeth K. Gerlach is 139 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated July 16, 2026

Just this side of normal

Elizabeth K. Gerlach

Just this side of normal

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Glimpses Into Life with Autism

by Elizabeth K. Gerlach

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

ASA book of the year

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

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to see the world through someone else’s eyes? Nicky loves to spin and explore in his own special way, while his mom tries to understand what makes him happy and safe. But what happens when the world feels confusing for both of them?

Themes

Neurodivergent Characters FamilyDiaryAutism in Children

Quick Assessment

Just This Side of Normal is a heartfelt fictional diary from the perspective of a mother raising her autistic son, Nicky. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it gently explores autism through the lens of family life and understanding, providing valuable insight for both children and adults. The story emphasizes empathy and acceptance without graphic content or intense themes.

Why we rated Just this side of normal 9LE

Just this side of normal is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 139 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Just this side of normal works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Just this side of normal 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, Just this side of normal explores neurodivergent characters, family, diary, and autism in children — 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 neurodivergent characters, family, diary.
✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Just this side of normal carries an award.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.