Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Screaming at the ump
Audrey Vernick
Screaming at the ump
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Audrey Vernick
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of the umpire’s call echoes through the ballpark, mixing with the smell of fresh-cut grass and the cheers of the crowd. Twelve-year-old Casey stands in the middle of it all, juggling the noisy chaos of middle school, his mom’s sudden return, and a secret story that could change everything. Suddenly, his dream of becoming a journalist feels a lot more complicated.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows twelve-year-old Casey as he navigates family challenges and middle school life while uncovering a compelling story at his family’s umpire school. Suitable for readers aged 13-18, it explores themes of family dynamics, social issues, and the pursuit of dreams with sensitivity and realism. Parents should note the book touches on single-parent families and journalistic ethics but does so in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Screaming at the ump 9LE
Screaming at the ump is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 750L across 250 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Screaming at the ump works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Screaming at the ump 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, Screaming at the ump explores young adult fiction, journalism, single-parent families, sports & recreation, and social issues — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult fiction, journalism, single-parent families.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780544252080
- Pages
- 250
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 750L