Madness
Zac Brewer
Madness
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Zac Brewer
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
I have a secret about Brooke: she’s learned how to pretend she’s okay so well that everyone believes her—even when she’s not. But then she meets Derek, who understands her in ways no one else does. And that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Madness by Zac Brewer explores the struggles of a young girl dealing with mental illness and suicidal thoughts as she navigates recovery and relationships. Intended for ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel addresses heavy themes like depression and suicide with honesty and sensitivity, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and support. Parents should note the mature content and emotional depth suitable for readers ready to engage with challenging topics.
Why we rated Madness 11IE
Madness is written at a Level 6 reading level across 289 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Madness works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Madness as 11IE ("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: Mental Health, Suicide.
Thematically, Madness explores mental health, identity & self-discovery, friendship, and romance — 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 mental health, identity & self-discovery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062457851
- Pages
- 289
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction