The bully
Paul Langan
The bully
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Paul Langan
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
Darrell Mercer isn’t just any new kid—he’s the one who stands up to the toughest bully in school. When Tyray Hobbs starts picking on him, Darrell’s courage turns the halls upside down. But standing strong isn’t easy, and the fight is far from over.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Darrell Mercer as he navigates the challenges of moving to a new school and facing bullying from a classmate. It thoughtfully explores themes of intimidation and family support, making it appropriate for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware that the story deals with bullying situations but resolves them in a constructive manner.
Why we rated The bully 9ME
The bully is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 190 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The bully works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The bully 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying.
Thematically, The bully explores family, bullying, 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 family, bullying, juvenile fiction.
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.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0439865468
- Pages
- 190
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction