Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6)
Linda A. Cooney
Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6)
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
Brent Tucker is so determined to break up Kat and Gable that he’ll stop at nothing — even if it means stirring up trouble no one expects. Meanwhile, Miranda is ready to prove she’s braver than anyone thinks, and Chip faces a tough choice that could change everything. These games aren’t just about winning; they’re about who you really are.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores complex social dynamics among preteens, focusing on friendship, peer pressure, and early relationship challenges. It addresses themes of loyalty, courage, and personal boundaries appropriate for ages 9 to 12, though some situations around dating and peer conflict may prompt valuable discussions. The story offers a realistic look at adolescence without graphic content.
Why we rated Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6) 11LE
Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 201 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6) 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, Playing Games (Totally Hot, No 6) explores friendship, 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590445658
- Pages
- 201
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- June 1992
- Type
- Fiction