Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Revenge of the bully
Scott Starkey
Revenge of the bully
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a how to beat the bully novel
by Scott Starkey
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Rodney Rathbone is no ordinary kid—he’s a reluctant hero juggling football, friendship, and fierce rivals. He’s facing his toughest challenge yet: winning back Jessica’s trust while surviving his mom’s wild new job. Everything’s on the line, and Rodney’s about to find out why it all matters.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Rodney Rathbone as he navigates school life, friendships, and personal challenges including his mother’s new job and his efforts to regain a girlfriend’s trust. Suitable for children ages 5-8, the book addresses themes of bullying, rivalry, and social issues in a relatable school setting. Parents should note the mild conflict related to school dynamics and social relationships.
Why we rated Revenge of the bully 8LE
Revenge of the bully is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 600L across 276 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Revenge of the bully works for readers up to grade 5.5.
We rate Revenge of the bully as 8LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Revenge of the bully explores bullying, friendship, family, sports, and school — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about bullying, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442456778
- Pages
- 276
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 600L