The 39 deaths of Adam Strand
Gregory Galloway
The 39 deaths of Adam Strand
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gregory Galloway
The text is written at a 7th 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 clang of the hospital bed echoes in the quiet room. Each time Adam Strand wakes up, the world feels just a little different, but the pain inside stays the same. How many chances does it take to understand why life is worth holding on to?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the heavy themes of suicide and emotional struggles through the story of Adam Strand, a teenager who repeatedly wakes up after attempting to take his own life. Suitable for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully addresses mental health challenges faced by young readers, providing an opportunity for important conversations. Parents should be aware of the sensitive subject matter and consider discussing the book's themes alongside their children.
Why we rated The 39 deaths of Adam Strand 12IE
The 39 deaths of Adam Strand is written at a Level 7 reading level across 314 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The 39 deaths of Adam Strand works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The 39 deaths of Adam Strand as 12IE ("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, Emotional problems.
Thematically, The 39 deaths of Adam Strand explores emotional problems, death, suicide, and juvenile fiction — 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 emotional problems, death, 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780142425312
- Pages
- 314
- Publisher
- Speak
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction