My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie
by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe
Peachtree Publishing Company 2002
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and loss
- friendship
- identity and self-discovery
- family conflict
- loneliness and isolation
- truth and justice
- courage
- healing
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Allie escapes her family and school troubles by spending time in a local cemetery, where she begins attending strangers’ funerals and writing about them under the name Alexandra Canarsie. When a death doesn’t sit right, her curiosity turns into a quest to uncover the truth. Along the way, she stumbles into her first real friendship and begins to face what she’s been avoiding at home. Thoughtful and suspenseful, this realistic mystery will appeal to teens who enjoy character-driven stories about grief, identity, and doing the right thing.
Setting: contemporary small-town community centered around a local cemetery and funeral homes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include grief and loss, friendship, identity and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie?
My Life and Death, by Alexandra Canarsie has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.