How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot
Tod Loofbourrow
How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tod Loofbourrow
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The whir of motors and the click of circuits fill the air as tiny gears start to move. Imagine creating your very own robot that listens to your commands and explores the world you build for it. Building a robot isn’t just about parts—it’s about sparking your imagination and bringing science to life.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This illustrated guide introduces young readers to the basics of constructing a simple computer-controlled robot, including test programs to operate it. Suitable for teens with an interest in technology and science, the book encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking. The content is age-appropriate for 13-18-year-olds and contains no mature themes or content warnings.
Why we rated How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot 9C
How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot as 9C ("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, How to Build a Computer-controlled Robot explores science & nature, technology, and juvenile nonfiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, technology, juvenile nonfiction.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 086020815X
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Hayden
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Nonfiction