Trouble-maker
Andrew Clements
Trouble-maker
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Clements
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 happens when everyone expects you to be the bad kid? Sixth-grader Clay wants to turn over a new leaf after his brother's big mistake, but no one seems to believe he's changed. Can Clay prove he's more than just a troublemaker, or will his past keep holding him back?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges of overcoming a negative reputation. Clay, a sixth grader, struggles to change his mischievous behavior after his older brother gets into trouble, making it a relatable story for children ages 9 to 12. The book handles issues of behavior and school life with sensitivity appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Trouble-maker 9LE
Trouble-maker is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 140 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Trouble-maker works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Trouble-maker 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, Trouble-maker explores family, school, behavior, 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 family, school, behavior.
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
- 9781416949305
- Pages
- 140
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction