Stacey's ex-boyfriend
Ann M. Martin
Stacey's ex-boyfriend
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ann M. Martin
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if your ex-boyfriend started acting really moody and only wanted to talk to you about it? Imagine trying to help someone you used to care about, even when it feels complicated. Can Stacey figure out how to support Robert without getting hurt herself?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the complex emotions surrounding a breakup between Stacey and Robert. After their separation, Robert struggles with moodiness and depression, confiding only in Stacey, which challenges her to navigate their changed relationship. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the book sensitively addresses emotional struggles and interpersonal dynamics without graphic content.
Why we rated Stacey's ex-boyfriend 9ME
Stacey's ex-boyfriend is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 120 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stacey's ex-boyfriend works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Stacey's ex-boyfriend as 9ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Stacey's ex-boyfriend explores friendship, coming of age, family, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590059978
- Pages
- 120
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction