Surviving
Elizabeth Faucher
Surviving
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elizabeth Faucher
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
The clock ticks as two teenagers race through the dark, desperate to be together one last time. Their families say they can't see each other, but they won't accept that. What happens when hope runs out?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel deals with the serious topic of teenage suicide, focusing on two teens from seemingly perfect families who struggle with being forbidden to see each other. It is intended for readers aged 9-12 and handles emotional themes with sensitivity, but parents should be aware of its heavy subject matter. Supportive conversations are recommended when reading this book with children.
Why we rated Surviving 9IE
Surviving is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 169 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Surviving works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Surviving 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide.
Thematically, Surviving explores coming of age, family, mental health, and friendship — 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 coming of age, family, mental health.
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
- 9780590336642
- Pages
- 169
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- February 1985
- Type
- Fiction