Bully Buster Journal
Annie Winston
Bully Buster Journal
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Battle Plan for the Bullied
by Annie Winston
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
Andy ducks just as Tommy Mugersnot’s taunt zips past his ear. The worst bully in the universe is back, and Andy’s desperate for a way out. But when a mysterious uncle appears with a strange ancient book, will Andy’s plan to fight back finally work—or will it bring even bigger trouble?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows sixth grader Andy Jones as he faces ongoing bullying challenges and discovers unconventional strategies to cope, guided by a mysterious relative and an ancient book. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, the story combines relatable social issues with imaginative elements, encouraging self-help and resilience without graphic content.
Why we rated Bully Buster Journal 9LE
Bully Buster Journal is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 156 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bully Buster Journal works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Bully Buster Journal 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, Bully Buster Journal explores bullying, friendship, self-help techniques, 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 bullying, friendship, self-help techniques.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780999711774
- Pages
- 156
- Publisher
- Cedar Gate Publishing
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction