Problems of death
David Allison Becker, Cynthia Simmelink Becker
Problems of death
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Allison Becker, Cynthia Simmelink Becker
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
Here’s a secret: death isn’t just about endings—it’s about the big questions no one wants to answer out loud. What if you could hear both sides of the toughest debates about life and death? But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book presents balanced essays exploring complex social and ethical issues related to death, including abortion, the death penalty, teen suicide, and physician-assisted suicide. Suitable for ages 9-12, it encourages critical thinking by showing multiple perspectives on sensitive topics. Parents should be aware that the content deals with mature themes and may prompt deeper conversations.
Why we rated Problems of death 11IE
Problems of death is written at a Level 6 reading level across 247 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Problems of death works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Problems of death 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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Death, Suicide, Abortion, Capital Punishment.
Thematically, Problems of death explores social justice, moral complexity, coming of age, and family — 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 social justice, moral complexity, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780737729542
- Pages
- 247
- Publisher
- Greenhaven Press, Incorporated
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Nonfiction