Good news/bad news
Philip M. Fragasso
Good news/bad news
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Philip M. Fragasso
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Two high school newspapers are battling it out, and the tension is so intense it splits twin siblings Leonard and Jessie apart. Leonard’s caught in the middle, especially when his girlfriend Rebecca writes for the rival paper. Can they find a way to work together before their stories tear their friendships—and family—apart?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the competitive world of high school journalism through the lens of twin siblings and their peers. The story highlights themes of rivalry, friendship, and family dynamics, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book addresses conflicts typical to school life but does so in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Good news/bad news 9LE
Good news/bad news is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 138 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Good news/bad news works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Good news/bad news 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, Good news/bad news explores journalism, twins, high schools, schools, and friendship — 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 journalism, twins, high schools.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Bad News/Good News (Beacon Street Girls)
Annie Bryant
Bad News/Good News (Beacon Street Girls)
Annie Bryant
Breaking news
Rachel Wise
Breaking news
Rachel Wise
Some Good News
Jean Little
Some Good News
Jean Little
The good news reporter
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
The good news reporter
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
The news crew
Walter Dean Myers
The news crew
Walter Dean Myers
Good news on Grape Street
Carrie Ayers Haynes
Good news on Grape Street
Carrie Ayers Haynes
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0201031973
- Pages
- 138
- Publisher
- Addison-Wesley
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction