My kid is back
June Alexander
My kid is back
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa
by June Alexander
The text is written at a 6th 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
What happens when your own mind starts to trick you about food and who you really are? Imagine facing a sickness that changes how you see yourself and how your family tries everything to help you get better. These stories show what it's like to fight back—and what it takes to bring hope home again.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book shares the real experiences of ten families dealing with childhood anorexia nervosa, highlighting the challenges and successes of family-based treatment. It offers insight into the illness’s impact on children and families, practical strategies for support, and guidance on seeking professional help, making it a valuable resource for families facing similar struggles. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively addresses a difficult topic without graphic detail.
Why we rated My kid is back 11ME
My kid is back is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, My kid is back works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate My kid is back as 11ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Mental Health, Emotional: Family Change.
Thematically, My kid is back explores family, mental health, coming of age, health & wellness, and support & recovery — 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, mental health, coming of age.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
Recovering My Kid
Joseph Lee
Recovering My Kid
Joseph Lee
Not my kid
Beth Polson
Not my kid
Beth Polson
Anorexia Nervosa
Erica Smith
Anorexia Nervosa
Erica Smith
Food makes the difference
Patricia Kane
Food makes the difference
Patricia Kane
Eating disorders
David Goodnough
Eating disorders
David Goodnough
Youth with Eating Disorders
Noa Flynn
Youth with Eating Disorders
Noa Flynn
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780415581158
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction