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Andy the Acrobat

Peter T. Harkness

Cover of Andy the Acrobat

Andy the Acrobat

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Or, Out with the Greatest Show on Earth

by Peter T. Harkness

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Andy Wildwood isn’t just any kid—he’s an acrobat who dares to stand tall even when everyone is watching. When Mr. Darrow, the strictest scholar around, eyes him with a ruler in hand, Andy’s courage shines brighter than ever. What will happen when bravery meets challenge in the spotlight?

Themes

Coming of AgeCourageIndividualityAdventure

Quick Assessment

Andy the Acrobat follows the story of a young boy, Andy Wildwood, who faces the scrutiny of a strict authority figure while showcasing his unique talents. Suitable for readers aged 13-18, this coming-of-age fiction explores themes of courage, individuality, and standing up to adversity. The book contains mild tension but no explicit content, making it appropriate for its intended young adult audience.

Why we rated Andy the Acrobat 9LE

Andy the Acrobat is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 162 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Andy the Acrobat works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Andy the Acrobat 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, Andy the Acrobat explores coming of age, courage, individuality, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, courage, individuality.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

162 pages
ISBN
9781426440779
Pages
162
Publisher
BiblioBazaar
Published
January 30, 2007
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Biography & AutobiographyCircusChildren's Stories, American