Cricket Man
Jean Little
Cricket Man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jean Little
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: Kenny Sykes has found a way to save hundreds of crickets from a watery fate right in his own backyard. But his mission to protect these tiny creatures is only the start of an adventure that might change everything for him.
Quick Assessment
Cricket Man follows Kenny Sykes, a young teen who moves to a new town and struggles to fit in. While trying to make friends, he becomes determined to save crickets from drowning in his pool, highlighting themes of empathy and perseverance. Suitable for ages 13-18, the book offers a gentle exploration of belonging and personal growth.
Why we rated Cricket Man 11LE
Cricket Man is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cricket Man works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Cricket Man as 11LE ("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, Cricket Man explores coming of age, friendship, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416949817
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Ginne Seo Books
- Published
- September 30, 2008
- Type
- Fiction