The end of it
Mitchell Goodman
The end of it
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Mitchell Goodman
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.
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About This Book
What does it take to be brave when everything around you is falling apart? Imagine being a young American lieutenant, caught in the middle of the fierce battles in Italy during World War II. How will he find hope amid the chaos and danger?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows an American lieutenant's experiences during World War II in Italy, providing a thoughtful look at the challenges of war through the eyes of a young soldier. Suitable for ages 9-12, it handles themes of war and conflict with sensitivity, though parents should be aware of realistic depictions of wartime situations. The story offers a valuable perspective on history while exploring courage and resilience.
Why we rated The end of it 11ME
The end of it is written at a Level 6 reading level across 285 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The end of it works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The end of it 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, physical peril — 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 end of it explores war & conflict, coming of age, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about war & conflict, coming of age, historical.
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
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
- 0933256116
- Pages
- 285
- Publisher
- Permanent PressPub Company
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction