Mad Hacker
Stephenson Brown
Mad Hacker
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephenson Brown
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if a computer genius just like you stumbled upon a secret that could change everything? Imagine diving into a world where codes unlock mysteries and every click could lead to adventure or danger. Can you outsmart the mad hacker before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Mad Hacker is a middle-grade fiction book suitable for ages 9-12 that explores themes of science and technology through an engaging story about a young computer whiz. It encourages problem-solving and critical thinking with an age-appropriate plot that involves mystery and adventure. The content is gentle and appropriate for its target audience, with no intense conflict or mature themes.
Why we rated Mad Hacker 9C
Mad Hacker is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 113 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mad Hacker works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Mad Hacker as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Mad Hacker explores science & technology, adventure, and mystery — 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 science & technology, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 9780590713887
- Pages
- 113
- Publisher
- Richmond Hill, Ont. : Scholastic Canada
- Published
- November 1911
- Type
- Fiction