Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors
Joan Esherick
Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joan Esherick
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
Some teens take risks that seem scary or even dangerous—like Draven who dresses like a zombie, or Kristen who hurts herself to cope. But what if these risky behaviors are really cries for help? Discover why these choices matter and how there are better ways to find freedom and strength.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers a straightforward exploration of self-destructive behaviors common among teens, such as substance abuse, self-injury, and suicide. It is appropriate for readers ages 9-12 and includes real-life case studies, statistics, and treatment options to help young readers understand these issues sensitively. Parents should note that the book addresses serious topics with care and encourages healthier alternatives for adolescents seeking independence.
Why we rated Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors 9IE
Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 173 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors 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: Self-Injury, Suicide, Substance Use.
Thematically, Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors explores psychology, coming of age, mental health, and social justice — 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 psychology, coming of age, mental health.
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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781422290132
- Pages
- 173
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction