Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
An Abundance of Katherines
John Green
An Abundance of Katherines
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Green
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
Have you ever wondered if there's a way to predict the future of every relationship? Colin Singleton has been dumped by nineteen girls named Katherine, and now he's on a wild road trip with his best friend, a hungry hog chasing them, and a big math theory to prove. Can Colin crack the code to love, or will the mystery of the Katherines keep him guessing?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Colin Singleton, a former child prodigy who embarks on a road trip after being dumped by nineteen girls all named Katherine. Blending humor, friendship, and a unique mathematical quest, the story explores themes of self-discovery and interpersonal relationships. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild peril and emotional moments but is generally lighthearted and thought-provoking.
Why we rated An Abundance of Katherines 11LE
An Abundance of Katherines is written at a Level 6 reading level across 227 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An Abundance of Katherines works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate An Abundance of Katherines 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, An Abundance of Katherines explores friendship, coming of age, family, humor, and adventure — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — An Abundance of Katherines carries an award.
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
- 9780525476887
- Pages
- 227
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction