Suicide
Margaret O. Hyde
Suicide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Hidden Epidemic
by Margaret O. Hyde
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Sometimes, when kids feel really lost and alone, they think about giving up. But understanding these feelings can be the first step to finding hope—and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the sensitive topic of teenage suicide by discussing its causes, societal responses, and prevention methods. Aimed at readers aged 9-12, it handles the subject with care while providing insights suitable for young readers. Parents should be aware that the book addresses serious mental health themes and may require guidance during reading.
Why we rated Suicide 9ME
Suicide is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 142 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Suicide works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Suicide 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicidal Behavior, Mental Health.
Thematically, Suicide explores youth, mental health, crisis intervention, and prevention — 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 youth, mental health, crisis intervention.
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.
Content Flags
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Suicide
Adam Woog
Suicide
Adam Woog
Teen suicide
Eleanor H. Ayer
Teen suicide
Eleanor H. Ayer
Suicidal behaviour in adolescents and adults
Christopher Bagley
Suicidal behaviour in adolescents and adults
Christopher Bagley
Suicide and attempted suicide among children and adolescents
Keith Hawton
Suicide and attempted suicide among children and adolescents
Keith Hawton
Teen Suicide
Lorena Huddle
Teen Suicide
Lorena Huddle
Teenagers Talk About Suicide
Marion Crook
Teenagers Talk About Suicide
Marion Crook
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780531102510
- Pages
- 142
- Publisher
- Franklin Watts
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction