The option
Herman Brown
The option
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Herman Brown
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Gary Jayo should be the quarterback everyone cheers for—but instead, he's stuck behind the superstar Shane Hunter. When Gary catches Shane doing something dangerous, he thinks this is his chance to shine. But what if uncovering the truth means facing more than just a game?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the challenges of high school sports. It addresses serious issues like drunk driving in an age-appropriate way, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware of the mature topics handled thoughtfully within a school and sports context.
Why we rated The option 9ME
The option is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 100 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The option works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The option 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: Drunk Driving.
Thematically, The option explores school stories, friendship, football, and conduct of life — 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 school stories, friendship, football.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The option play
Bob Darden
The option play
Bob Darden
Choosing sides
Ilene Cooper
Choosing sides
Ilene Cooper
Football hero
Tim Green
Football hero
Tim Green
Game on (Series for Boys)
Stephen Smith
Game on (Series for Boys)
Stephen Smith
Football
Ryan Nagelhout
Football
Ryan Nagelhout
Press play
Eric Devine
Press play
Eric Devine
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781467721288
- Pages
- 100
- Publisher
- Lerner Publishing Group
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction