Mad boy
Nick Arvin
Mad boy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
an account of Henry Phipps in the War of 1812 : a novel
by Nick Arvin
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of smoke fills the air as Henry weaves through the shattered streets, the rumble of distant cannon fire shaking the ground beneath his feet. With his mother’s last wish heavy on his heart, he braves the chaos of a city at war, meeting strangers with stories as tangled as the ruins around him. Every step draws him closer to a promise that could change his life forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during a turbulent time of war, this middle-grade novel follows young Henry Phipps as he strives to fulfill his dying mother's wish to be buried at sea with her family. The story explores themes of loss, resilience, and courage amidst historical conflict, featuring encounters with a diverse cast including soldiers, slaves, and civilians. Suitable for ages 9-12, it handles mature themes of death and war with sensitivity, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers interested in historical fiction.
Why we rated Mad boy 11ME
Mad boy is written at a Level 6 reading level across 236 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mad boy works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Mad boy as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Mad boy explores death, children of prisoners, life change events, historical, and adventure — 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 death, children of prisoners, life change events.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781609454586
- Pages
- 236
- Publisher
- Europa Editions
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction