June Bug and the Reverend

Alice Mead

Cover of June Bug and the Reverend

June Bug and the Reverend

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Alice Mead

Reading Level 4-5 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Junebug is not your average 10-year-old—he's a brave dreamer facing bullies, a cranky retired minister, and even his mom's new boyfriend. Moving to a new neighborhood isn’t easy, but Junebug discovers that honesty and friendship can open doors in the most unexpected places. What will happen when his past and present collide?

Themes

FriendshipFamilySocial Issues - GeneralComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows Junebug, a 10-year-old African-American boy navigating life in a new neighborhood while dealing with family changes, school bullies, and complex friendships. The story addresses themes of honesty, resilience, and social challenges appropriate for ages 9-12, with no graphic content but realistic portrayals of family dynamics and community struggles. Parents should note the inclusion of topics like absent/incarcerated father and mild bullying, presented thoughtfully for young readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Bullying Divorce & Family Change
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

ISBN
9780788750250
Publisher
Recorded Books
Published
October 2002
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Social IssuesFriendshipAudio: Juvenile