Not if I see you first
Eric Lindstrom
Not if I see you first
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eric Lindstrom
The text is written at a 7th 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 soft thud of running feet echoes down the track, but Parker doesn’t need to see to feel the thrill. She’s blind, but her legs are lightning fast and her heart even faster. When Scott, the boy who once broke her heart, suddenly reappears, Parker must decide if some rules are made to be broken—and if she can trust what her heart tells her.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Parker, a blind teen navigating complex emotions, friendships, and personal challenges after her father's death. Themes include disability, grief, and social dynamics like dating, all handled thoughtfully for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the story gently explores loss and emotional healing without explicit content.
Why we rated Not if I see you first 12ME
Not if I see you first is written at a Level 7 reading level across 310 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Not if I see you first works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Not if I see you first as 12ME ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Not if I see you first explores disability representation, coming of age, family, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about disability representation, coming of age, family.
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
12ME — 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
2/10A 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
See no color
Shannon Gibney
See no color
Shannon Gibney
The girl who fell
S. M. Parker
The girl who fell
S. M. Parker
Back on Track
Kyle Jackson
Back on Track
Kyle Jackson
Running rivals
Val Priebe
Running rivals
Val Priebe
Running on Empty
Sonya Spreen Bates
Running on Empty
Sonya Spreen Bates
You first
Cari Simmons
You first
Cari Simmons
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316259859
- Pages
- 310
- Publisher
- Poppy
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction