After High School Comes College
Frank Nardelli
After High School Comes College
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Frank Nardelli
The text is written at a 5th 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
Going to college right after high school is not just a dream—it's a bold reality for Damen and Dan Lopez, who turned their vision into No Excuses University. Their story proves that with determination and smart choices, big goals are within reach. Discover how education can open doors you never imagined.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows the inspiring journey of two brothers, Damen and Dan Lopez, as they transition from high school to college and eventually found No Excuses University. Suitable for ages 9-12, it encourages readers to dream big and understand the importance of education and perseverance. The story is uplifting and free from mature content, making it an excellent choice for children interested in school and personal growth.
Why we rated After High School Comes College 10C
After High School Comes College is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, After High School Comes College works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate After High School Comes College as 10C ("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, After High School Comes College explores education, counseling, schools, coming of age, and family — 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 education, counseling, schools.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
10C — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9781936319022
- Publisher
- Mascot Books Incorporated
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Nonfiction