St. Michael's scales
Neil O. Connelly
St. Michael's scales
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Neil O. Connelly
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of the wrestling mat echoes through the gym as Keegan feels the rough fabric of his singlet against his skin. Every move, every breath, pulls him deeper into a world where pain and hope collide. But beneath the sweat and struggle, a quiet battle rages inside him, stirring feelings he never expected.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This novel explores the emotional journey of a 15-year-old boy grappling with guilt, family loss, and suicidal thoughts. Set in a Catholic school environment, it sensitively addresses themes such as grief, mental health, and the power of connection through sports and family dialogue. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a thoughtful portrayal of heavy topics with hope and resilience.
Why we rated St. Michael's scales 12IE
St. Michael's scales is written at a Level 7 reading level across 309 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, St. Michael's scales works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate St. Michael's scales as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide, Guilt, Family problems.
Thematically, St. Michael's scales explores family, mental health, sports, coming of age, and catholic schools — 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 family, mental health, sports.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
- 0439194458
- Pages
- 309
- Publisher
- Guilford Press
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction