The tuxedo
Ellen Weiss
The tuxedo
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ellen Weiss
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
What if a simple tuxedo could turn you into a secret agent? When Jimmy Tong, a regular cab driver, slips into this extraordinary suit, he discovers it’s packed with amazing powers—and way more than just style. But can he handle the thrilling dangers that come with it?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This junior novelization adapts the DreamWorks movie about Jimmy Tong, a cab driver who becomes a chauffeur and stumbles upon a high-tech tuxedo that grants him spy-like abilities. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the story combines action and humor with light fantasy elements. Parents should note the mild peril and fantasy violence typical of spy adventures.
Why we rated The tuxedo 9LP
The tuxedo is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 142 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The tuxedo works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The tuxedo as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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 tuxedo explores adventure, friendship, spy stories, and film novelizations — 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 adventure, friendship, spy stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780843149661
- Pages
- 142
- Publisher
- Price Stern Sloan
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction