The book of David
Anonymous
The book of David
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anonymous
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the secret you’re keeping could change everything? David is the star of his high school football team, but behind the cheers and touchdowns, he’s hiding something no one knows. As the pressure mounts, will his secret stay hidden—or will it all come crashing down?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel is written as a fictional diary from the perspective of a high school football star grappling with a deeply personal secret. It explores themes of secrecy, pressure, and self-discovery appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note that the story deals with emotional struggles and the challenges of keeping secrets, presented in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated The book of David 11ME
The book of David is written at a Level 6 reading level across 272 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The book of David works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The book of David as 11ME ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The book of David explores diaries, secrecy, secrets, sports, and coming of age — 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 diaries, secrecy, secrets.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Book of David
Anonymous
Book of David
Anonymous
David's secret soccer goals
Caroline Anne Levine
David's secret soccer goals
Caroline Anne Levine
David's Big Break
Charmaine Loever
David's Big Break
Charmaine Loever
David
Johnny Worthen
David
Johnny Worthen
David
American Bible Society
David
American Bible Society
David
Ben Alex
David
Ben Alex
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442489868
- Pages
- 272
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction