Mad as hell
Dave Itzkoff
Mad as hell
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Making of Network and the Fateful Vision of the Angriest Man in Movies
by Dave Itzkoff
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The newsroom is buzzing with tension as Howard Beale shouts, 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!' Cameras roll, actors deliver powerful lines, and behind the scenes, a fierce battle over the movie's message unfolds. But will this bold film ever make it to the big screen?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction narrative explores the making of the iconic 1976 film 'Network,' highlighting its cultural impact and the creative challenges faced by screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers insight into media criticism and the power of television, with no intense content but some complex themes about media influence.
Why we rated Mad as hell 11MT
Mad as hell is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mad as hell works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Mad as hell as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Mad as hell explores criticism and interpretation, network (motion picture), media influence, creativity and expression, and historical — 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 criticism and interpretation, network (motion picture), media influence.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MT — Moderate — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805095692
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction