Retard
Diane O'Reilly
Retard
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Diane O'Reilly
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
What is it like to be different in a classroom where everyone learns in their own way? Imagine a school year filled with challenges, friendships, and moments that change everything. How do these students find their voices when the world around them doesn't always understand?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel offers an insightful look into the lives of students in an Exceptional Mental Handicap (EMH) classroom, exploring their educational experiences and personal growth over a school year. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides an empathetic perspective on children with mental disabilities in the United States. Parents should note that the book uses language and themes reflective of its time and subject matter.
Why we rated Retard 9ME
Retard is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 194 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Retard works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Retard as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Retard explores disability representation, education, 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 disability representation, education, friendship.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — 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
- 094443505X
- Pages
- 194
- Publisher
- Glenbridge Publishing Ltd.
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Nonfiction