The professor of desire

Philip Roth

Cover of The professor of desire

The professor of desire

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Philip Roth

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th 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

Here’s a secret: David Kapesh is on a quest not just for fun, but to discover who he really is deep inside. He navigates a world full of feelings and choices that challenge him in ways he never expected—but that’s only the beginning.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows David Kapesh as he explores complex emotions and personal growth through his experiences. While the book touches on themes of desire and identity, it is written for a younger audience with appropriate sensitivity. Parents should be aware that the story includes mature emotional themes, but they are handled in a thoughtful manner suitable for ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

263 pages
ISBN
0224015656
Pages
263
Publisher
Vintage
Published
1978
Type
Fiction

Genres

College teachers

Subjects

Fiction in EnglishCollege TeachersLondonNew YorkAmerican FictionDavid Kepesh