What reading level is Bobby the brave (sometimes)?

Bobby the brave (sometimes) by Lisa Yee is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 690L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Bobby the brave (sometimes) appropriate for?

Bobby the brave (sometimes) is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Bobby the brave (sometimes)?

Bobby the brave (sometimes) is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Bobby the brave (sometimes) have any content warnings?

Bobby the brave (sometimes) has a HootRating of 8LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Bobby the brave (sometimes)?

Bobby the brave (sometimes) by Lisa Yee is 162 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Bobby the brave (sometimes)

Lisa Yee

Bobby the brave (sometimes)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lisa Yee

Reading Level 3-4 8LE Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The sharp sting of the stadium lights mixes with the heavy scent of grass and sweat as Bobby watches his dad on the field. But when his father says they’re nothing alike, a storm of feelings swirls inside Bobby’s chest—just like the tight squeeze when his asthma flares up. Can he find the bravery to show who he really is beneath it all?

Themes

FamilyIndividualityHealthSchool

Quick Assessment

This early reader explores the relationship between a father and son, highlighting themes of individuality and understanding. The story sensitively addresses asthma and the challenges it brings, making it suitable for young readers aged 5-8. Parents should know it offers gentle emotional moments and promotes open communication in families.

Why we rated Bobby the brave (sometimes) 8LE

Bobby the brave (sometimes) is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 690L across 162 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bobby the brave (sometimes) works for readers up to grade 5.5.

We rate Bobby the brave (sometimes) as 8LE ("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, Bobby the brave (sometimes) explores family, individuality, health, and school — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, individuality, health.