Head games

Head games is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 260 pages (approximately 52,121 words). Strong independent readers around grade 4.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Head games works for readers up to grade 5.4.

Read aloud, Head games runs about 5.8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate Head games as 8ME ("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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.

Thematically, Head games explores friendship, coming of age, and high school — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.