Getting Even
Paul Kropp
Getting Even
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel for Young Adults
by Paul Kropp
The text is written at a 4th 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
Keith seems invisible next to his superstar older brother, and Jane is convinced small-town life will always hold her back. But when Jane spots Keith with the prettiest girl at a party, everything changes—and suddenly, their worlds collide in ways no one expected. What starts as dislike turns into something much bigger, and it all hinges on seeing beyond first impressions.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the ups and downs of adolescence, including themes of family struggles, self-discovery, and first love. Told through alternating perspectives, it realistically portrays the challenges faced by two very different teens growing up in a small town. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it includes some mature themes such as parental divorce, underage drinking, and complex social dynamics, but handles them with sensitivity.
Why we rated Getting Even 9ME
Getting Even is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Getting Even works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Getting Even as 9ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Parental Divorce, Underage Drinking.
Thematically, Getting Even explores coming of age, family, friendship, romance, and adolescence — 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.
- ✓ 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, friendship.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671624194
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- June 1986
- Type
- Fiction