Andy the Acrobat
Peter T. Harkness
Andy the Acrobat
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Or, Out with the Greatest Show on Earth
by Peter T. Harkness
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
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
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 — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Andy & Sandy and the big talent show
Tomie dePaola
Andy & Sandy and the big talent show
Tomie dePaola
Young Acrobat
Horatio Alger, Jr.
Young Acrobat
Horatio Alger, Jr.
Adventures of Andy Ant
Larry O'Nan
Adventures of Andy Ant
Larry O'Nan
An Acrobat
Ivan Bulloch
An Acrobat
Ivan Bulloch
Archie's Acrobats
Chris Winn
Archie's Acrobats
Chris Winn
Circus Max
Andy Croft
Circus Max
Andy Croft
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781426440779
- Pages
- 162
- Publisher
- BiblioBazaar
- Published
- January 30, 2007
- Type
- Fiction