Smasher
Scott Bly
Smasher
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Scott Bly
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 a math genius from today was snatched into the future by a bionic girl with a mission? Together, they must stop a powerful tycoon from releasing a dangerous computer virus that could take over the entire world. But with only twenty days to save everyone, can they outsmart the clock and the villain?
Quick Assessment
Smasher is a middle-grade adventure that combines science fiction and fantasy elements, following a young math prodigy and a futuristic bionic girl as they race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. The story features themes of technology, teamwork, and courage, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. It contains mild peril and suspense but is appropriate for middle-grade audiences.
Why we rated Smasher 11LE
Smasher is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Smasher works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Smasher 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, Smasher explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, and friendship — 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 adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545141185
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Blue Sky Press
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction