Not my kid
Beth Polson
Not my kid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Family's Guide to Kids and Drugs
by Beth Polson
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.
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About This Book
What happens when someone you love starts making choices you don’t understand? Imagine trying to spot the signs and finding ways to help before it’s too late. The path to hope and healing is tougher than it seems, but it might just start here.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers a clear, approachable introduction to drug abuse tailored for middle-grade readers. It helps children and parents recognize warning signs, understand the challenges of drug use, and provides practical advice for prevention and support. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively handles a difficult topic without graphic detail.
Why we rated Not my kid 11ME
Not my kid is written at a Level 6 reading level across 248 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Not my kid works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Not my kid 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Not my kid explores drug use prevention, family, and identity & self-discovery — 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 drug use prevention, family, identity & self-discovery.
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.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0877956332
- Pages
- 248
- Publisher
- Arbor House Publishing
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Fiction