Stupid
Kim Firmston
Stupid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kim Firmston
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if the way you see the world was completely different from everyone else's? Martin feels like his ADHD diagnosis doesn’t explain everything, especially when his dad thinks he’s just lazy. When he discovers the thrilling world of parkour, could it help him show his dad the real story behind his struggles?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores a young boy's journey as he navigates undiagnosed dyslexia and misunderstandings about ADHD. Through his passion for filmmaking and parkour, Martin seeks to communicate his unique perspective to his father, who struggles to understand his challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book thoughtfully addresses learning disabilities and family dynamics without intense content.
Why we rated Stupid 11ME
Stupid is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stupid works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Stupid as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. 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 mild intensity score.
Thematically, Stupid explores friendship, coming of age, family, adventure, and science & nature — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Just Stupid
Andy Griffiths
Just Stupid
Andy Griffiths
Falling over sideways
Jordan Sonnenblick
Falling over sideways
Jordan Sonnenblick
The Stupids Step Out
Harry G. Allard
The Stupids Step Out
Harry G. Allard
Smart
Kim Slater
Smart
Kim Slater
Dummy
David Patten
Dummy
David Patten
Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties
Rich Weinfeld
Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties
Rich Weinfeld
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781459406124
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Lorimer
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction