The last leaves falling
Sarah Benwell
The last leaves falling
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sarah Benwell
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What happens when a boy faces a challenge no one his age should have to face? Abe Sora, living far away in Japan, connects with friends through the internet as he battles a tough illness. But can they find a way to help him before the last leaves fall?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the difficult topic of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) through the story of Abe Sora, a teenager in Japan. It sensitively addresses themes of illness, family dynamics, and assisted suicide, framed within online friendships. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should be aware that the book deals with serious emotional and ethical issues related to chronic illness and end-of-life choices.
Why we rated The last leaves falling 12IE
The last leaves falling is written at a Level 7 reading level across 359 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last leaves falling works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The last leaves falling 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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Assisted Suicide, Chronic Illness.
Thematically, The last leaves falling explores family, illness & injury, friendship, online communities, and ethical dilemmas — 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 family, illness & injury, friendship.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The last to let go
Amber Smith
The last to let go
Amber Smith
Last Leaf Left
Lashone Caldwell
Last Leaf Left
Lashone Caldwell
The last leaf
O. Henry
The last leaf
O. Henry
Very Last Leaf
Stef Wade
Very Last Leaf
Stef Wade
Last Leaf
Mark Donnelly
Last Leaf
Mark Donnelly
Last breath
Joanne Williams
Last breath
Joanne Williams
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481430654
- Pages
- 359
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction