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)

(3) Base Camp

Looks can be deceiving. Tuck Everlasting is super short and uses pretty plain language. But it's what's underneath all that that can make this book a little tricky. Natalie Babbitt forces us to think about a lot of tough issues—just check out the "Nutshell" for a taste.

But guess what? Thinking is a good thing. (You heard it here first.)