When Food's a Foe
Nancy J. Kolodny
When Food's a Foe
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
How You Can Confront and Conquer Your Eating Disorder
by Nancy J. Kolodny
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens when food feels more like a battle than a friend? Imagine facing the hidden struggles of bulimia and anorexia, where every meal can be a challenge and every choice carries weight. What secrets lie beneath these silent battles, and can they be overcome?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book sensitively explores the causes and impacts of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, aimed at young adults aged 13-18. It provides insight into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those affected and discusses preventative measures. The content is appropriate for middle to high school readers, offering educational value without graphic detail.
Why we rated When Food's a Foe 11ME
When Food's a Foe is written at a Level 6 reading level across 214 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When Food's a Foe works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate When Food's a Foe 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 — 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, When Food's a Foe explores health & wellness, mental health, coming of age, and education — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about health & wellness, mental health, coming of age.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780613122689
- Pages
- 214
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction