Troublemaker.
Francine Pascal
Troublemaker.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Francine Pascal
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
Julie Porter isn’t just any girl—she’s about to take on Bruce Patman, the biggest troublemaker in school. He’s got a sneaky plan that could turn her world upside down, and only her best friend Joey sees it coming. But will Julie listen before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship, peer pressure, and the challenges of adolescence as Julie navigates her feelings for a charismatic but manipulative classmate. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at social dynamics in school without graphic content. Parents should note the story addresses mean-spirited behavior and the importance of making wise choices.
Why we rated Troublemaker. 9LE
Troublemaker. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 166 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Troublemaker. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Troublemaker. 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, Troublemaker. explores friendship, coming of age, school & education, social themes, and adolescence & 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 friendship, coming of age, school & education.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553273595
- Pages
- 166
- Publisher
- Sweet Valley
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction