What reading level is When we collided?

When we collided by Emery Lord is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 730L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is When we collided appropriate for?

When we collided is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags: Mental Health.

What genre is When we collided?

When we collided is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does When we collided have any content warnings?

When we collided has a HootRating of 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags include: Mental Health. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is When we collided?

When we collided by Emery Lord is 344 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

When we collided

Emery Lord

When we collided

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Emery Lord

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

Jonah has faced one big change after another, from losing his dad to taking care of his family. Then Vivi arrives—a girl who’s bursting with energy and refuses to be held back, even by the medicine meant to help her. But when Vivi’s daring spirit starts to lead her into real danger, will their love be strong enough to hold them together?

Themes

Mental IllnessLoveDysfunctional FamiliesDepressionComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Set in a small California town, this middle-grade novel explores the challenges of a large family coping with loss and mental illness. It thoughtfully portrays themes of depression, risk-taking behavior, and young love, all within an age-appropriate framework for readers aged 9-12. Parents should be aware of its sensitive depiction of mental health struggles and family dynamics.

Why we rated When we collided 9IE

When we collided is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 730L across 344 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When we collided works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate When we collided as 9IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mental Health.

Thematically, When we collided explores mental illness, love, dysfunctional families, depression, 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 mental illness, love, dysfunctional families.

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.