Bad Order
B. B. Ullman
Bad Order
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by B. B. Ullman
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
What if a tiny tear in the universe could let in the darkest thoughts? Mary Day and her telepathic brother Albie discover a crack between dimensions that threatens to spread evil everywhere. But can Albie fix it before the shadows take over?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows Mary Day, her telepathic brother Albie, and their friends as they confront a dangerous leak in the dimensional universe. The story explores themes of family, friendship, and responsibility, suitable for ages 9 to 12. Mild fantasy peril is present but handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Bad Order 11LE
Bad Order is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bad Order works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Bad Order 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, Bad Order explores friendship, family, science & nature, fantasy world-building, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781454931065
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Union Square Kids
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction