Everything that moves
Budd Schulberg
Everything that moves
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Budd Schulberg
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
Here's a secret: Joey Hopper isn't just any kid—he's a clever underdog who discovers how to outsmart the grown-ups who think they run everything. But as he climbs higher, the games get trickier and the stakes grow bigger, and that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Joey Hopper, a resourceful working-class boy who navigates and challenges corrupt union bosses by turning their own schemes against them. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers insights into social dynamics and morality within a historical labor context, with some themes of deception and ambition.
Why we rated Everything that moves 11ME
Everything that moves is written at a Level 6 reading level across 251 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Everything that moves works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Everything that moves 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Everything that moves explores coming of age, family, social justice, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! 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.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385005210
- Pages
- 251
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction