I read it and thought it was brilliant. Very powerful.
While I think parents know their children best, I don't think it would be too difficult for some kids in the 11-14 age range to handle. It's sad, but losing a parent has become more of a reality for younger kids than in years past, with the rise in cancer rates and people waiting to have children until they are older.
Elisa, sorry about losing your mother.
keep writing,
dave r