Making changes
Linda A. Cooney
Making changes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Linda A. Cooney
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
Jojo surprises everyone by standing up for a new friend no one else notices. He even finds himself tangled in a tricky love story with Jackson. But when Brent decides to get back at Kat, things get complicated fast—and it’s not just about friendship anymore.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of friendship, social challenges, and young love through the experiences of Jojo and his friends. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story addresses interpersonal conflicts and social dynamics typical for this age group without intense content. Parents should note mild themes of rejection and social exclusion.
Why we rated Making changes 11LE
Making changes is written at a Level 6 reading level across 213 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Making changes works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Making changes as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Making changes weaves together friendship and love stories.
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 friendship, love stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590445634
- Pages
- 213
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction