The Peter Potts book of world records
Clifford B. Hicks
The Peter Potts book of world records
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A True Account of the Astounding Feats of Peter Potts and Joey Gootz, as Witnessed and Sworn to by Me, Peter Potts
by Clifford B. Hicks
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.
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About This Book
Pete's world is turned upside down as his sister's baby is about to arrive, and he’s not sure if there’s room for change in his perfect family. Right now, his best friend is trying—and failing—at the most outrageous world records, from juggling flaming torches to balancing on a tightrope. But when disaster strikes during the latest attempt, everything changes in a heartbeat.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of family change and personal growth through the eyes of twelve-year-old Pete, who struggles with his sister’s impending new baby. The story also offers humor and excitement as Pete’s friend attempts quirky world records, providing a lighthearted balance. Suitable for ages 9-12, it presents relatable emotions with gentle handling and no concerning content.
Why we rated The Peter Potts book of world records 9LE
The Peter Potts book of world records is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 101 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Peter Potts book of world records works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Peter Potts book of world records 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 Peter Potts book of world records explores world records, family, 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 world records, family, friendship.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0805004092
- Pages
- 101
- Publisher
- Henry Holt Books For Young Readers
- Published
- 1987
- Type
- Fiction