There Are Two Kinds of Terrible
Peggy Mann
There Are Two Kinds of Terrible
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peggy Mann
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.
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About This Book
What if the person you count on the most suddenly feels like a stranger? Imagine losing your mom and then realizing your dad is hurting too, but in silence. How do you find each other again when grief pulls you apart?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the emotional journey of a boy coping with the death of his mother and his evolving relationship with his grieving father. It sensitively addresses themes of loss, family dynamics, and healing, making it appropriate for children ages 9 to 12 who can handle mature emotional content related to death and grief.
Why we rated There Are Two Kinds of Terrible 9ME
There Are Two Kinds of Terrible is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, There Are Two Kinds of Terrible works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate There Are Two Kinds of Terrible 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Divorce & Family Change, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, There Are Two Kinds of Terrible explores family, coming of age, and loss & grief — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, loss & grief.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! 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
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780380458233
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Avon Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction