Teach me to forget
Erica M. Chapman
Teach me to forget
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Erica M. Chapman
The text is written at a 6th 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 sharp click of a gun echoes in Ellery’s mind, a sound that haunts her every step. When she tries to return the weapon, she bumps into Colter, whose determined eyes show he won’t let her face this darkness alone. Together, they walk a fragile path where hope flickers but the shadows still linger.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the difficult topic of suicide and the emotional aftermath of a failed attempt through the eyes of Ellery, a young girl grappling with grief and family struggles. The story sensitively portrays her encounter with a peer who supports her journey toward healing, making it appropriate for readers aged 9-12 with guidance. Parents should be aware of the mature themes around mental health and interpersonal relationships addressed in the book.
Why we rated Teach me to forget 11IE
Teach me to forget is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Teach me to forget works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Teach me to forget as 11IE ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide, Grief, Family Problems.
Thematically, Teach me to forget explores grief, interpersonal relations, suicide, and family — 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 grief, interpersonal relations, suicide.
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.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781440594571
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction