Wasted
Brent R. Sherrard
Wasted
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Brent R. Sherrard
The text is written at a 4th 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.
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About This Book
What if you promised yourself you'd never be like your dad, but then found yourself fighting the same battles? Imagine facing the power of addiction while your world starts to fall apart. Can Jacob find the strength to choose a different path before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the heavy themes of addiction and family struggles through the eyes of Jacob, a boy confronting his own substance issues while dealing with his alcoholic father's hospitalization. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides a thoughtful look at the challenges of dependency and the impact on father-son relationships, with some emotional intensity. Parents should be aware of its mature themes and the portrayal of addiction and tragedy.
Why we rated Wasted 9IE
Wasted is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wasted works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Wasted as 9IE ("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: Substance Use, Tragedy.
Thematically, Wasted explores addiction, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about addiction, family, coming of age.
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
9IE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781552774199
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- James Lorimer & Company
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction