Phantasmic Gumball Machine
Michael Keefe-Feldman
Phantasmic Gumball Machine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Keefe-Feldman
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
Crunch! The sweet, sticky taste of a phantasmic gumball fills the air, buzzing with the magic of history itself. Marcus and Oliver never expected a dusty old box in their backyard to blast them through time, from roaring fires to royal decrees. But as the past and present collide, they discover a secret far bigger than any adventure.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows brothers Marcus and Oliver as they uncover a mysterious gumball machine that transports them through pivotal moments in history. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends imaginative time travel with themes of sibling dynamics and mystery. Parents should note the book includes light fantasy peril and some historical references but is generally appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Phantasmic Gumball Machine 11LE
Phantasmic Gumball Machine is written at a Level 6 reading level across 205 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Phantasmic Gumball Machine works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Phantasmic Gumball Machine 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, Phantasmic Gumball Machine explores adventure, friendship, family, mystery, and historical — 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 adventure, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
- 9798988865308
- Pages
- 205
- Publisher
- Chalkbridge Content
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction