Honey, I blew up the kid
Todd Strasser
Honey, I blew up the kid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Todd Strasser
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The crackle of electricity buzzes through the air as a strange machine hums to life. Suddenly, a tiny zap, and Dad’s little boy starts growing and growing until he’s towering over everything! What will happen when a giant baby storms into the bright, busy city?
Quick Assessment
This early reader fantasy follows a lovable inventor whose experiment accidentally causes his young son to grow to an enormous size. The story is lighthearted and humorous, suitable for ages 5 to 8, with no intense content. It encourages imagination and playful adventure without any concerning themes.
Why we rated Honey, I blew up the kid 8C
Honey, I blew up the kid is written at a Level 3 reading level across 86 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Honey, I blew up the kid works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Honey, I blew up the kid as 8C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Honey, I blew up the kid explores fantasy, adventure, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590463966
- Pages
- 86
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction