Do the Math
Wendy Lichtman
Do the Math
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Secrets, Lies, and Algebra
by Wendy Lichtman
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
Here’s a secret: Tess is a math whiz who’s figured out the popular boy’s number—just one. But when cheaters, best friends bursting with secrets, and the winter dance throw off her calculations, the real mystery begins. And that suspicious guy her parents worry about? That’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Tess, a clever eighth-grader who uses her love of math to navigate friendships, school challenges, and family concerns. Themes include adolescence, trust, and problem-solving, all woven into a mystery with light social tension. Suitable for ages 9-12, it handles typical pre-teen issues with sensitivity and humor.
Why we rated Do the Math 9LE
Do the Math is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Do the Math works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Do the Math 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, Do the Math explores coming of age, family, friendship, mystery, and social themes — 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 coming of age, family, friendship.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780061229558
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- June 26, 2007
- Type
- Fiction