Maybe next summer
Don Schellie
Maybe next summer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Don Schellie
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 dry wind carries the dusty scent of the Arizona desert as Matt flips through the pages of his small-town newspaper. Suddenly, a whispered secret pulls him into a hidden world where danger crosses the border under the scorching sun. What will Matt do when he uncovers a smuggling operation that could change everything?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in a small Arizona town, this middle-grade novel follows 17-year-old Matt as he works for a local newspaper and uncovers a smuggling operation involving migrants crossing the border. The story touches on themes of journalism, ethics, and the challenges of border communities, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the book includes mild peril related to smuggling but handles it with sensitivity.
Why we rated Maybe next summer 11LS
Maybe next summer is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Maybe next summer works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Maybe next summer as 11LS ("Light — Social") 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, Maybe next summer explores journalism, smuggling, adventure, coming of age, and family — 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 journalism, smuggling, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 0590075853
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Four Winds
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction