Almost super
Marion Jensen
Almost super
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marion Jensen
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
Rafter Bailey flips his matchbook open — but instead of a fiery spark, all he gets is a tiny puff of smoke. Benny’s turning his belly button inside out, trying to look like a real hero. Suddenly, Juanita Johnson storms in, and everything they thought about heroes and villains is about to explode!
Themes
Quick Assessment
Almost Super is a humorous middle grade novel about two brothers who inherit disappointing superpowers in a family of superheroes sworn to fight villains. The story explores themes of family, self-acceptance, and teamwork as the boys join forces with a rival to challenge their assumptions about heroism. It is appropriate for ages 9-12 and contains light fantasy action with positive messages.
Why we rated Almost super 11LE
Almost super is written at a Level 6 reading level across 251 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Almost super works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Almost super 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, Almost super explores family, friendship, humor, adventure, and superheroes — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, friendship, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
- 9780062209610
- Pages
- 251
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction