Speed and Your Brain
Allan B. Cobb
Speed and Your Brain
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Incredibly Disgusting Story
by Allan B. Cobb
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens inside your brain when someone takes a powerful drug called speed? Imagine your thoughts racing faster and faster, but something feels wrong—can the brain ever slow down again? The story explores a tough journey that’s just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to the serious topic of methamphetamine (speed) abuse and its effects on the brain. It explains the dangers of addiction in simple terms appropriate for ages 5-8 and touches on treatment and recovery. Parents should note the sensitive subject matter is presented with care but may require adult guidance.
Why we rated Speed and Your Brain 7ME
Speed and Your Brain is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Speed and Your Brain works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Speed and Your Brain as 7ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use.
Thematically, Speed and Your Brain weaves together substance abuse & addictions and self-help.
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 substance abuse & addictions, self-help.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780823932535
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Rosen Central
- Published
- June 2000
- Type
- Nonfiction