Been there, done that
Mike Winchell
Been there, done that
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
School Dazed
by Mike Winchell
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
The clatter of lockers slamming and the buzz of chatter fill the hallways as kids navigate the ups and downs of school life. From surprise pranks to standing up to bullies, each story reveals a different side of what it means to be a kid in the classroom. These tales will make you laugh, think, and remember your own school adventures in a whole new way.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This anthology features award-winning middle-grade authors sharing real-life school experiences transformed into engaging fictional stories. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes like friendship, challenges with teachers and peers, and the everyday realities of school life, making it relatable and accessible without heavy content. The collection offers a positive view of school with diverse voices and experiences.
Why we rated Been there, done that 11LE
Been there, done that is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Been there, done that works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Been there, done that 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, Been there, done that explores friendship, family, schools, humor, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, family, schools.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780448486741
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction