Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The art of being normal
Lisa Williamson
The art of being normal
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Lisa Williamson
The text is written at a 4th 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
Some heroes don’t wear capes—they just dare to be themselves. Meet two friends who are breaking the rules of what it means to be normal, facing challenges that most kids never talk about. Their courage to live their truth shows why being different is the bravest thing you can do.
Quick Assessment
This novel tells the story of two transgender middle schoolers supporting each other through the complexities of identity, acceptance, and bullying. It tackles important social issues such as misgendering, hate speech, and sexual assault with sensitivity appropriate for ages 9-12, though parents should be aware of these mature themes. The book promotes empathy and understanding, providing a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by transgender youth.
Why we rated The art of being normal 9IE
The art of being normal is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 770L across 344 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The art of being normal works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The art of being normal as 9IE ("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: Misgendering, Hate Speech, Sexual Assault.
Thematically, The art of being normal explores social justice, friendship, coming of age, family, and lgbtq+ representation — 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 social justice, friendship, coming of age.
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
9IE — 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
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
- 9780374302375
- Pages
- 344
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 770L