See Dave Run
Jeannette Eyerly
See Dave Run
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jeannette Eyerly
The text is written at a 4th 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
What if you had to run away because home felt too hard to stay in? Imagine stepping into the unknown with no map, no plan, and no one waiting for you. Could you find hope when everything feels lost?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the difficult themes of running away and the emotional struggles of a teenage boy facing an intolerable home life. Recommended for readers aged 9-12, it sensitively addresses feelings of isolation and despair, including mentions of suicide, and may prompt important conversations. Parents should be aware of its mature themes when considering it for younger readers.
Why we rated See Dave Run 9IE
See Dave Run is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 126 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, See Dave Run works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate See Dave Run as 9IE ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Runaway, Suicide, Emotional: Loneliness, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, See Dave Run explores runaway children, family, emotional struggle, and coming of age — 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 runaway children, family, emotional struggle.
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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671560317
- Pages
- 126
- Publisher
- Pocket Books
- Published
- March 1986
- Type
- Fiction