What reading level is Charlie Boy?

Charlie Boy by Kim Delmar Cory is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Charlie Boy appropriate for?

Charlie Boy is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9C (Clear).

What genre is Charlie Boy?

Charlie Boy is fiction — Automobiles.

Does Charlie Boy have any content warnings?

Charlie Boy has a HootRating of 9C (Clear). 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 Charlie Boy?

Charlie Boy by Kim Delmar Cory is 124 pages.

Charlie Boy

Kim Delmar Cory

Charlie Boy

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Kim Delmar Cory

Reading Level 4-5 9C Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Charlie Boy isn’t just any kid—he has an incredible talent that could change the way cars are made forever. In the buzzing bicycle shops of 1890s Detroit, Charlie’s drawings bring wild automobile ideas to life, racing alongside legends like the Dodge brothers. This story shows how one boy’s creativity helped drive a city—and the world—into the future.

Themes

HistoricalAutomobilesFriendship Adventure Coming of Age

Quick Assessment

Set in 1890s Detroit, this historical fiction novel follows twelve-year-old Charlie O’Brien as he joins bicycle shop owner William Metzger in pioneering the early automobile industry. The story provides an engaging look at innovation, friendship, and city life during a pivotal moment in automotive history, suitable for readers aged 9-12. There are no intense conflicts or mature themes, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers interested in history and invention.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9C — Clear

Emotional

Clear

Physical

Clear

Social

Clear

Thematic

Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

Steve Parker

Level 2 Gentle

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Details

Book Length

124 pages

ISBN: 0880924969
Pages: 124
Publisher: Royal Fireworks Publishing Company
Published: 1999
Type: Fiction

Genres

Automobiles

Subjects

Metzger, WilliamAutomobilesWilliam Metzger in FictionAutomobiles in Fiction

People

William Metzger