Joyride
Guy Adams
Joyride
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Guy Adams
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The screech of tires fills the night as a car crashes through a shop window, shattering glass and silence alike. Strange things are happening everywhere—friends acting wild, mysterious dangers lurking in every shadow. What if the city itself is changing, and no one knows why?
Quick Assessment
Set in the Doctor Who spin-off universe, this middle-grade science fiction novel explores themes of time travel, supernatural occurrences, and teenage turmoil. The story contains intense scenes of violence, including murder and self-harm, which are integral to the plot and may require parental guidance for sensitive readers aged 9-12. It offers a thrilling but sometimes dark adventure suitable for mature middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Joyride 11IE
Joyride is written at a Level 6 reading level across 246 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Joyride works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Joyride as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Self-Harm.
Thematically, Joyride explores science & nature, mystery, friendship, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Joyride
Anna Banks
Joyride
Anna Banks
Joyride
Gretchen Olson
Joyride
Gretchen Olson
Joyride
Dee Phillips
Joyride
Dee Phillips
Joyride
John Vornholt
Joyride
John Vornholt
Joyride
Thomas Hayes
Joyride
Thomas Hayes
Joyride
Amy Ehrlich
Joyride
Amy Ehrlich
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062666208
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction