Infestation
Timothy J. Bradley
Infestation
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Timothy J. Bradley
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.
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About This Book
What would you do if giant, mutant ants suddenly took over your school in the middle of the desert? Twelve-year-old Andy Greenwood and his friends at the Reclamation School for Boys in New Mexico must face this creepy, crawly invasion. Can they survive the unexpected danger lurking in the sandy halls?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows 12-year-old Andy Greenwood and his classmates as they confront an infestation of giant mutant ants at their desert school in New Mexico. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines adventure and suspense without graphic content. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and excitement typical of action-oriented children's fiction.
Why we rated Infestation 9LP
Infestation is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Infestation works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Infestation as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Infestation explores adventure, schools, science & nature, 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 adventure, schools, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780545459044
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction