A Matter of Principle
Susan Beth Pfeffer
A Matter of Principle
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
These students broke the rules — on purpose. When their secret newspaper gets them suspended, they stand up for freedom and truth. What will happen when speaking out becomes the biggest challenge yet?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This novel follows a group of high school students who face suspension after publishing an underground newspaper that challenges school authority. It explores themes of free speech, values, and the consequences of standing up for beliefs, making it suitable for teens aged 13 to 18. Parents should note the book deals with issues of school discipline and social activism.
Why we rated A Matter of Principle 9MS
A Matter of Principle is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 198 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Matter of Principle works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A Matter of Principle as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Matter of Principle explores social justice, friendship, coming of age, and schools — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about social justice, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385286497
- Pages
- 198
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- April 1982
- Type
- Fiction