Problem child
Roy, James
Problem child
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Roy, James
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
The sharp scrape of sneakers echoes down the school hallways, mixing with whispers and stifled laughs. Max Quigley and his best friend Jared rule the schoolyard with a sharp mind and a fierce punch, spotting every weakness like a game. But when Max’s target, quiet Triffin, is pulled into a surprising plan, the tension between them crackles like electricity—could anything really change?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores bullying from the perspective of the bully, Max, who alongside his friend Jared intimidates classmates at school. The story delves into themes of conflict, the complexity of relationships, and attempts at resolution through an experimental approach involving the bully and his victim. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides insight into social dynamics but includes depictions of bullying that parents should be aware of.
Why we rated Problem child 9ME
Problem child is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 163 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Problem child works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Problem child 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying.
Thematically, Problem child explores friendship, school, bullying, and conflict resolution — 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, school, bullying.
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.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780702236044
- Pages
- 163
- Publisher
- Univ. of Queensland Press
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction