Changes in attitude
Jeffrey Solomon
Changes in attitude
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jeffrey Solomon
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
David surprises everyone by becoming friends with Toby, the most annoying kid in school. But when Susan is left out of a movie trip, she hatches a plan to make sure no one ever forgets her again. Their stories show how changing your attitude can change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction story explores themes of friendship and personal growth as David and Susan navigate social challenges and learn the value of acceptance and self-confidence. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book presents relatable situations without intense conflict, offering positive messages about empathy and self-expression.
Why we rated Changes in attitude 9C
Changes in attitude is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 116 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Changes in attitude works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Changes in attitude as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Changes in attitude explores friendship, coming of age, and self-discovery — 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 friendship, coming of age, self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0679868585
- Pages
- 116
- Publisher
- Random House Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction