Rotten School #9
Robert Lawrence Stine
Rotten School #9
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Party Poopers (Rotten School)
by Robert Lawrence Stine
Illustrated by Trip Park
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the coolest girl in school totally ignores you, but the most annoying girl suddenly wants to be your dance partner? Bernie Bridges is stuck trying to escape the clingy Jennifer Ecch, and his wild plan to gross her out might just backfire in the biggest way. Can Bernie survive the snot-blowing showdown and save his dance night?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous middle-grade book follows Bernie Bridges as he navigates school dances and social challenges with a funny and lighthearted tone. Suitable for ages 9-12, it features themes of friendship, crushes, and school life, with some silly gross-out humor that might appeal to reluctant readers. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated Rotten School #9 9LE
Rotten School #9 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 111 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rotten School #9 works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Rotten School #9 as 9LE ("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, Rotten School #9 explores humor, school & education, friendship, and social themes — 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 humor, school & education, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Punk'd and skunked
Robert Lawrence Stine
Punk'd and skunked
Robert Lawrence Stine
Why I Quit Zombie School
Robert Lawrence Stine
Why I Quit Zombie School
Robert Lawrence Stine
Calling all creeps
Robert Lawrence Stine
Calling all creeps
Robert Lawrence Stine
Rotten School #6
Robert Lawrence Stine
Rotten School #6
Robert Lawrence Stine
Rotten School #12
Robert Lawrence Stine
Rotten School #12
Robert Lawrence Stine
The good, the bad and the very slimy
Robert Lawrence Stine
The good, the bad and the very slimy
Robert Lawrence Stine
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780060788254
- Pages
- 111
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- November 7, 2006
- Type
- Fiction