Sisu
Sue Harrison
Sisu
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sue Harrison
Illustrated by Jenifer Thomas
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.
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About This Book
The sharp, cold wind bites at Wood Rye's face as pine needles crunch beneath his feet in the quiet forest. Every breath tastes like pine and frost, but his biggest challenge isn’t the chill—it’s the sharp ache inside him that won’t go away. Alone in the wild, Wood must face the forest and his own body, where every moment feels like a fight for survival.
Quick Assessment
This gripping novel follows twelve-year-old Wood Rye, who struggles with diabetes and chooses to escape the hospital to survive on his own in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness. The story realistically portrays the challenges of chronic illness alongside the dangers of nature, making it suitable for teens aged 13 and up. Parents should note themes of survival, illness management, and emotional resilience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781882376407
- Pages
- 183
- Publisher
- Thunder Bay Press (MI)
- Published
- May 9, 1997
- Type
- Fiction