Power Play
Bud Rogers
Power Play
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bud Rogers
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
Lauren clutches her glowing hands as the shadows of Darchon's traps close in around the TimeFlyz. Sparks fly and time twists—can they outsmart the danger before it’s too late? Just when it seems hopeless, a new idea sparks from an unexpected place...
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1851 London, this middle-grade graphic novel blends historical figures with fantasy as Lauren and her friends confront challenges using their special powers. The story introduces themes of creativity and problem-solving inspired by scientist Michael Faraday, making it suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. While it contains mild peril typical of adventure stories, the content is appropriate for its target audience and includes positive messages about teamwork and ingenuity.
Why we rated Power Play 9LP
Power Play is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Power Play works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Power Play as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Power Play explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, friendship, and religious - christian — 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 adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780310713654
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Zonderkidz
- Published
- August 2008
- Type
- Fiction