Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Somebody up there hates you
Hollis Seamon
Somebody up there hates you
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Hollis Seamon
The text is written at a 4th 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
The sharp scent of antiseptic mixes with the soft hum of hospital machines. Richard, a seventeen-year-old prankster, lies in a hospice bed, plotting his biggest and boldest tricks yet. Even in the quietest moments, his spirit refuses to fade—because every day still holds a spark of hope and laughter.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Richard, a seventeen-year-old facing terminal cancer in a hospice setting. Despite his situation, the story explores themes of humor, resilience, and the importance of making the most of life's final moments. Suitable for ages 9-12, it gently addresses serious topics like illness and end-of-life care with sensitivity and warmth.
Why we rated Somebody up there hates you 9IE
Somebody up there hates you is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 239 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Somebody up there hates you works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Somebody up there hates you as 9IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Cancer, Hospice Care.
Thematically, Somebody up there hates you explores coming of age, illness & injury, family, and humor — 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 coming of age, illness & injury, family.
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
9IE — Intense — EmotionalReal 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781616202606
- Pages
- 239
- Publisher
- Algonquin Books
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 710L