Saying Goodbye
Linda Holeman
Saying Goodbye
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
stories
by Linda Holeman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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 does it really mean to say goodbye? Imagine facing the ups and downs of growing up, from first love to losing someone you care about. Each story reveals a new challenge—how will these teens find their way?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features ten short stories that explore the complexities of adolescence, including themes of love, self-image, growing up, and coping with loss. Suitable for teens aged 13 to 18, the book offers thoughtful insights into common social issues without graphic content. It provides a gentle yet meaningful look at emotional growth and resilience during the teenage years.
Why we rated Saying Goodbye 9ME
Saying Goodbye is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 169 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Saying Goodbye works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Saying Goodbye as 9ME ("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, Saying Goodbye explores coming of age, family, friendship, and social issues — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 coming of age, family, friendship.
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
9ME — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Saying Goodbye
Linda D. Delgado
Saying Goodbye
Linda D. Delgado
Saying Goodbye
Ifeoma Onyefulu
Saying Goodbye
Ifeoma Onyefulu
SAY GOODBYE
Francine Pascal
SAY GOODBYE
Francine Pascal
Friend Would Say Goodbye
Michol Whitney
Friend Would Say Goodbye
Michol Whitney
Saying goodbye
Marie G. Lee
Saying goodbye
Marie G. Lee
I hate goodbyes!
Kathleen C. Szaj
I hate goodbyes!
Kathleen C. Szaj
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781895555479
- Pages
- 169
- Publisher
- Fitzhenry and Whiteside
- Published
- April 1, 1995
- Type
- Fiction