Troublemaker
Andrew Clements
Troublemaker
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Clements
Illustrated by Elliott, Mark, 1967- illustrator
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
The sharp clang of the school bell echoes through the hallways, mixing with whispers about Clay's latest prank. Even though he wants to turn over a new leaf after his brother's big mistake, the sticky label of 'troublemaker' clings to him like gum on a shoe. Can Clay rewrite his story before everyone judges him for who he used to be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Clay, a sixth-grader determined to change his mischievous ways after his older brother faces serious consequences. Despite his efforts, Clay struggles with the reputation of being a troublemaker at school. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of behavior, family relationships, and personal growth in a school setting.
Why we rated Troublemaker 9LE
Troublemaker 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, 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 family, behavior, school, 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, behavior, school.
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
- 9781416949329
- Pages
- 140
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction