Mind over Matter
R. T. Martin
Mind over Matter
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by R. T. Martin
The text is written at a 4th 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
What would you do if you suddenly had the power to move things with your mind? Parker finds out on his sixteenth birthday, and at first, he’s ready to stop the bullies at school. But when his power almost causes real harm, will he use it to help his friends or step back from the risk?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of bullying, friendship, and personal responsibility through the story of Parker, a teen who gains telekinetic powers. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book deals with the challenges of growing up and making difficult choices, including the consequences of using newfound abilities. Parents should note the presence of bullying and mild tension related to the protagonist's powers and their impact.
Why we rated Mind over Matter 9ME
Mind over Matter is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mind over Matter works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Mind over Matter as 9ME ("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, social complexity — 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, Mind over Matter explores bullying, friendship, theater, and schools — 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 bullying, friendship, theater.
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
9ME — 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
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
- 9781541517783
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Darby Creek ™
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction