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)
(4) Base Camp
Touching Spirit Bear is a pretty simple book to follow in terms of writing style and vocabulary, but it does deal with some very heavy issues. So while it should be a novel that most readers can get through, the thematic issues—like child abuse, violence, and mortality—might not be appropriate for young or sensitive readers. After all, this is a book where a boy gets mauled by a bear and ends up eating his own vomit in order to survive. In other words, it's pretty dark at times. Bring a flashlight for this hike.