Words Don't Stick
Kenny Kiskis
Words Don't Stick
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kenny Kiskis
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if every mean word someone says just bounced right off you? Imagine a world where names can't hurt, and you have the power to let go of the nastiest insults. But how do you really make those words disappear?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book helps children aged 9-12 develop resilience against bullying by teaching them that hurtful words don't have to affect their self-worth. It encourages emotional strength and coping skills in a gentle, accessible way suitable for family reading. The story focuses on positive parenting and supportive communication without exposing children to intense or graphic content.
Why we rated Words Don't Stick 10LE
Words Don't Stick is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Words Don't Stick works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Words Don't Stick as 10LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Words Don't Stick explores parenting, children's fiction, friendship, and emotional resilience — 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 parenting, children's fiction, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9798218367138
- Publisher
- Kenny Kiskis
- Published
- 2024
- Type
- Fiction