Where I want to be
Adele Griffin
Where I want to be
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Adele Griffin
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
Here’s a secret: two sisters are tied together by memories and silence, even though one is gone. They once shared everything, but something changed—something they never talked about. Their story of loss and hope is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complex relationship between two sisters affected by mental illness and death. It thoughtfully addresses themes of grief, family bonds, and reconciliation, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12 who are ready to engage with sensitive emotional topics. Parents should be aware that the book sensitively portrays mental health challenges and loss.
Why we rated Where I want to be 9ME
Where I want to be is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 150 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Where I want to be works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Where I want to be as 9ME ("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, Where I want to be explores family, mental health, loss & grief, 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 family, mental health, loss & grief.
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
9ME — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399237836
- Pages
- 150
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction