The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter
John Gosselink
The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Gosselink
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.
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About This Book
What if you were sent to 'In-School Suspension' for the whole semester, but you knew you were innocent? Imagine standing up for yourself, proving everyone wrong, and turning a tough situation into something hilarious and unforgettable. Can Thaddeus clear his name before the school year ends?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows twelve-year-old Thaddeus A. Ledbetter as he faces an extended in-school suspension and fights to defend himself against unfair accusations. The story blends humor with themes about school life, justice, and personal responsibility, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book deals lightly with school discipline but in an age-appropriate and humorous manner.
Why we rated The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter 11LE
The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter is written at a Level 6 reading level across 231 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The defense of Thaddeus A. Ledbetter explores humor, school life, friendship, and coming of age — 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 humor, school life, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780810989771
- Pages
- 231
- Publisher
- Amulet Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction