The big F
Maggie Ann Martin
The big F
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Maggie Ann Martin
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Failing one class doesn’t just change your grade—it can change your whole future. When college dreams crumble, one girl must decide if she’ll let a big F define her or find a new path forward. What happens when your biggest setback becomes your biggest chance?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This contemporary young adult novel follows a teenage girl navigating the fallout of failing a critical course that disrupts her college plans. The story explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and young love, suitable for readers aged 13 and up. Parents should note the realistic portrayal of academic pressure and relationship dynamics typical of high school and early college experiences.
Why we rated The big F 11ME
The big F is written at a Level 6 reading level across 280 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The big F works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The big F as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The big F explores coming of age, family, romance, friendship, and young adult fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, romance.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9781250123213
- Pages
- 280
- Publisher
- Swoon Reads
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction