What reading level is Walking Backward?

Walking Backward by Catherine Austen is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Walking Backward appropriate for?

Walking Backward is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IE (Intense — Emotional).

What genre is Walking Backward?

Walking Backward is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Walking Backward have any content warnings?

Walking Backward has a HootRating of 9IE (Intense — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Walking Backward?

Walking Backward by Catherine Austen is 176 pages.

Walking Backward

Catherine Austen

Walking Backward

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Catherine Austen

Reading Level 4-5 9IE Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

The soft scratch of a pen fills a quiet room as Josh writes in his journal, trying to understand a world that suddenly feels upside down. His mom’s mysterious accident leaves a snake in the car and a million questions swirling like a storm inside him. Amid pajama days and a father lost to his inventions, Josh’s search for answers is as brave as it is heartbreaking.

Themes

GriefFamily Coming of AgeJournal EntriesCanada

Quick Assessment

Walking Backward follows twelve-year-old Josh as he copes with the sudden loss of his mother in a tragic accident. Through journal entries, the story explores grief, family dynamics, and a child's search for meaning without religious guidance. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book thoughtfully addresses loss with sensitivity and insight, making it a valuable read for children dealing with similar themes.