The Landry news
Andrew Clements
The Landry news
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Clements
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Cara Landry is not your average kid—she’s a fearless journalist ready to shake up her school! When she writes a fiery editorial about her exhausted teacher, the whole school buzzes with surprise and debate. What happens next could change everything Cara thought she knew about standing up for what’s right.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Cara Landry, an aspiring young journalist who challenges her school’s status quo by publishing a bold editorial about her teacher’s struggles. The story thoughtfully explores themes of honesty, courage, and the impact of speaking out, while also touching on family changes like divorce. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers a gentle look at complex social and emotional topics.
Why we rated The Landry news 9LE
The Landry news is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 159 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Landry news works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Landry news as 9LE ("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 Landry news explores friendship, family, school, journalism, and divorce — 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, family, school.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Landry Park
Bethany Hagen
Landry Park
Bethany Hagen
Land
Alex Campbell
Land
Alex Campbell
Land of Misfit Teens
Katie Charles
Land of Misfit Teens
Katie Charles
The Report Card
Andrew Clements
The Report Card
Andrew Clements
Head of the Class
Andrew Clements
Head of the Class
Andrew Clements
Girl reporter blows lid off town!
Linda Ellerbee
Girl reporter blows lid off town!
Linda Ellerbee
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0786227079
- Pages
- 159
- Publisher
- Thorndike Press
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction