Side effects
by Amy Goldman Koss
Roaring Brook Press 2010
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- illness and resilience
- family support
- friendship
- identity
- courage
- humor in hardship
- body image
- hope
About this book
When fifteen-year-old Izzy is diagnosed with cancer, her world flips from high school drama to chemo chairs and hospital halls. With sharp humor and honesty, she chronicles the weirdness of wigs, friends who don’t know what to say, and the fierce love of family. The story balances tough moments with laugh-out-loud observations, making a serious topic approachable. It’s a great pick for teens who like resilient narrators and real-life stories with heart.
Setting: contemporary suburban high school and oncology clinic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Side effects right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Side effects. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th 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 illness and resilience, family support, friendship.
How long does it take to read Side effects?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Side effects takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Side effects have an AR quiz?
Yes — Side effects has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Side effects?
Side effects has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th 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.