Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Bubbles
Abby Cooper
Bubbles
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Abby Cooper
The text is written at a 4th 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
Sophie isn’t just any twelve-year-old—she can see people’s thoughts floating around like bubbles! When her mom feels really sad, Sophie takes on a triathlon for a school project about risk-taking. But juggling her secret power and the race might be harder than she ever imagined.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows twelve-year-old Sophie as she navigates family challenges and a school project on risk-taking, discovering a unique ability to see thoughts as bubbles. It sensitively addresses themes of mental health, family bonds, and personal courage, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book touches on depression in a gentle, age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Bubbles 9LE
Bubbles is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bubbles works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Bubbles 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, Bubbles explores risk-taking, middle schools, family, mental health, and friendship — 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 risk-taking, middle schools, family.
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
1/10A 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
- 9780374302900
- Pages
- 262
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 710L