Above and beyond
Susan Bonners
Above and beyond
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Bonners
The text is written at a 4th 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
Have you ever wondered what secrets hide behind a class clown's smile? Jerry finds himself drawn to Danny, the funniest kid in school, but soon uncovers mysteries that could change everything. What will happen when the past comes knocking?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Above and Beyond is a middle-grade fiction story about friendship and uncovering hidden truths. Suitable for ages 9-12, it touches on themes of trust and understanding while maintaining age-appropriate content. Parents should know it includes some references to past troubles but handles them sensitively.
Why we rated Above and beyond 9LE
Above and beyond is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 151 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Above and beyond works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Above and beyond as 9LE ("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, Above and beyond centers on friendship.
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 friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0374300186
- Pages
- 151
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction