Queen of likes
Hillary Homzie
Queen of likes
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Hillary Homzie
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
What if your whole world disappeared when your phone was taken away? Karma Cooper, the queen of likes at Merton Middle School, suddenly has to live without her beloved pink smartphone, Floyd. Can she survive a day without snapping, posting, or texting—and discover what really matters beyond the screen?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges of social media obsession through the story of Karma Cooper, a seventh grader whose popularity hinges on her online presence. When her parents confiscate her phone due to broken rules, Karma confronts the realities of life without constant digital connection. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book thoughtfully addresses themes of social media use, peer pressure, and personal growth without intense content.
Why we rated Queen of likes 11LE
Queen of likes is written at a Level 6 reading level across 259 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Queen of likes works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Queen of likes 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, Queen of likes explores social media, friendship, family, coming of age, and middle school — 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 social media, friendship, 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
- 9781481445214
- Pages
- 259
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction