Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Bullyville
Francine Prose
Bullyville
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Francine Prose
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Bart stands frozen as the bully shoves him against the locker, the hall buzzing with whispers about his father. The pain of loss feels sharper here, in a place that's supposed to be safe. But when will Bart find the courage to fight back?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows thirteen-year-old Bart as he copes with the aftermath of losing his father in the 9/11 tragedy while attending a new preparatory school. The story explores themes of grief, guilt, bullying, and resilience, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who can handle emotional depth and mild conflict. Parents should be aware of the sensitive topics surrounding loss and school bullying.
Why we rated Bullyville 11ME
Bullyville is written at a Level 6 reading level across 272 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bullyville works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Bullyville as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Bullying, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Bullyville explores coming of age, family, school & education, bullying, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Family book clubs, classroom read-alouds, and parents who want a strong conversation hook.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, school & education.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
7/10Rich themes that spark meaningful family conversation. Great for book clubs and read-alouds.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780060574970
- Pages
- 272
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- September 1, 2007
- Type
- Fiction