Advanced BASIC step by step
Vern McDermott
Advanced BASIC step by step
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Vern McDermott
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if you could tell a computer exactly what to do just by typing secret commands? Imagine unlocking the power of BASIC programming on cool computers like the Apple II+ and IBM-PC. Can you master these skills and create something amazing?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers step-by-step guidance on advanced programming in the BASIC language, focusing on popular microcomputers such as the Apple II+, PET, TRS-80, and IBM-PC. Suitable for middle-grade readers with some programming experience, it introduces technical concepts in a clear, accessible way. Parents should note that it is educational and assumes basic prior knowledge of computer programming.
Why we rated Advanced BASIC step by step 12C
Advanced BASIC step by step is written at a Level 7 reading level across 315 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Advanced BASIC step by step works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Advanced BASIC step by step as 12C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Advanced BASIC step by step explores science & nature, technology, and education — 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 science & nature, technology, education.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 0881750115
- Pages
- 315
- Publisher
- Computer Science Press, Incorporated
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Fiction