Under the Influence
William E. Butterworth III
Under the Influence
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by William E. Butterworth III
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
Allan grabs the steering wheel, heart pounding as Keith stumbles and slurs beside him. The night feels colder, the road more dangerous, and Allan knows one wrong move could change everything. But how can he protect his friend when Keith won’t admit the truth?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges of friendship when one character struggles with alcoholism. It sensitively addresses the impact of substance abuse on young people and those around them, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note themes of addiction and its social consequences are presented thoughtfully but may prompt important conversations.
Why we rated Under the Influence 11ME
Under the Influence is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Under the Influence works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Under the Influence 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, social complexity — 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, Under the Influence explores friendship, alcoholism, family, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, alcoholism, family.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Under the Influence
Julia Fisher
Under the Influence
Julia Fisher
Drinking, driving & drugs
Jean McBee Knox
Drinking, driving & drugs
Jean McBee Knox
Alcohol
Lauri S. Friedman
Alcohol
Lauri S. Friedman
Driving Under the Influence (Ripped from the Headlines)
Peggy J. Parks
Driving Under the Influence (Ripped from the Headlines)
Peggy J. Parks
Drinking and driving
Christine Madsen
Drinking and driving
Christine Madsen
Alcohol
Jane Bingham
Alcohol
Jane Bingham
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780027162400
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Atheneum
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Fiction