A regular guy
Laura Shumaker
A regular guy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Growing Up with Autism
by Laura Shumaker
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The soft hum of a classroom, the smell of fresh crayons, and the quiet rhythm of Matthew's footsteps fill the day. Through the eyes of his mother, you feel the warmth and challenges of being different in a world that often misunderstands. His wish to just be a "regular guy" sparks moments of hope and heart in everyone around him.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the life of Matthew, an autistic boy, as seen through his mother's perspective. It sensitively portrays family dynamics, the challenges and joys of autism, and the impact Matthew has on those around him. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the book offers an empathetic look at neurodiversity without intense content.
Why we rated A regular guy 11LE
A regular guy is written at a Level 6 reading level across 241 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A regular guy works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A regular guy as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A regular guy explores autistic people, family, mothers and sons, and neurodivergent characters — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about autistic people, family, mothers and sons.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780980183603
- Pages
- 241
- Publisher
- Laura Shumaker
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Nonfiction