Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(2) Sea Level

The writing in Missing May is pretty straightforward and can be tackled by most young readers with ease. But there's a reason it takes a little bit more work to get through the book—the subject matter can be a little heavy for younger audiences. After all, this is a book that deals with the death of a guardian and the struggle to find closure and to grieve properly. The themes of the book can be rather tough for kids to sort through, but it's still a good read for those who want to practice their reading skills—and think about some deeper stuff.