Invasion of the nose pickers
Gordon Korman
Invasion of the nose pickers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gordon Korman
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
Devin isn't just any fourth grader—he's the only one who can help a 147-year-old alien solve a cosmic mystery right in the middle of New York City! When the Pants' power supply goes missing, it's up to Devin and his extraterrestrial friends to save the day. This adventure proves even the smallest heroes can make a huge difference.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows Devin, a fourth grader, who teams up with a centuries-old alien and other extraterrestrials during a school trip to New York City. The story blends humor and sci-fi elements as they work to recover a vital power source, making it suitable for ages 9-12. The book contains light fantasy violence and imaginative themes but is appropriate for young readers seeking an entertaining adventure.
Why we rated Invasion of the nose pickers 9LP
Invasion of the nose pickers 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, Invasion of the nose pickers works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Invasion of the nose pickers 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, Invasion of the nose pickers explores adventure, humor, science & nature, friendship, and fantasy world-building — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, humor, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
- 0786814470
- Pages
- 138
- Publisher
- Hyperion
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction