Teen suicide
Janet Kolehmainen
Teen suicide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Book for Friends, Family, and Classmates
by Janet Kolehmainen
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered why some teenagers feel so sad that they think about ending their own lives? Imagine trying to understand their feelings and the signs that something is wrong, even when it's hard to talk about. What can we do to help and support each other when facing such big emotions?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book addresses the difficult topic of teen suicide in a sensitive and age-appropriate way for early readers. It explains common myths, warning signs, and prevention strategies through simple language and hypothetical examples. Parents should note that while the book handles a serious subject, it aims to foster understanding and coping skills without graphic detail, suitable for children aged 5-8.
Why we rated Teen suicide 8ME
Teen suicide is written at a Level 3 reading level across 70 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Teen suicide works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Teen suicide as 8ME ("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: Suicide.
Thematically, Teen suicide explores mental health, loss & grief, prevention, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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 mental health, loss & grief, prevention.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
8ME — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0822595141
- Pages
- 70
- Publisher
- Lerner Publishing Group
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Nonfiction