Out of Sync
Amanda Humann
Out of Sync
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Amanda Humann
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp whistle blows across the soccer field, cutting through the crisp air. Maddie’s foot connects perfectly with the ball, sending it soaring right to Dayton—just like always. But lately, her best friend’s eyes seem elsewhere, and the game they once ruled together feels like it’s slipping away.
Quick Assessment
Out of Sync follows the story of Madison and Dayton, two best friends and soccer teammates whose close connection on the field begins to falter as Dayton’s priorities shift toward partying. Set for middle grade readers ages 9-12, this realistic fiction explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of growing up, with a focus on teamwork and personal growth. The book contains no intense content and is suitable for its target audience.
Why we rated Out of Sync 9LE
Out of Sync is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 104 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Out of Sync works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Out of Sync as 9LE ("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, Out of Sync explores friendship, sports, and coming of age — 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 friendship, sports, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781467709590
- Pages
- 104
- Publisher
- Darby Creek
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction