Problem with the Other Side
Kwame Ivery
Problem with the Other Side
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kwame Ivery
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of a campaign flyer snapping in the wind fills the air, mixing with the scent of freshly cut grass on the school grounds. Uly and Sallie's quiet moments together are shadowed by a heated election that divides their school and tests their loyalties. When old movies and new romances clash with fierce family battles, hearts are pulled in every direction.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores the complexities of interracial relationships set against the backdrop of a tense high school election marked by racial tensions and family conflicts. It thoughtfully addresses themes of racism, loyalty, and identity, making it suitable for mature teens. Parents should be aware of portrayals of racist language, bigotry, and gun violence in the story.
Why we rated Problem with the Other Side 12IS
Problem with the Other Side is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Problem with the Other Side works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Problem with the Other Side as 12IS ("Intense — Social") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Racist language, Acts of racism and bigotry, Gun violence.
Thematically, Problem with the Other Side explores romance, diversity & multicultural, family, social justice, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about romance, diversity & multicultural, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IS — Intense — SocialHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781641292054
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- Soho Press
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction