What in the world is wrong with these kids!
Barbara Nesbitt
What in the world is wrong with these kids!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barbara Nesbitt
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered why some kids act out or make trouble? Imagine hearing real stories from teenagers about their lives, family, and what they do for fun. What secrets will you uncover about growing up—and why things sometimes go wrong?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader explores adolescent behavior through real-life accounts and data from Gallup polls, focusing on family dynamics, youth activities, and the causes behind delinquent behavior. Designed for ages 5-8, it introduces complex social topics in an accessible way, supported by worksheets with questions that encourage reflection on teenage and family issues. Parents should note the focus on juvenile delinquency and interpersonal challenges, presented thoughtfully for young readers.
Why we rated What in the world is wrong with these kids! 8ME
What in the world is wrong with these kids! is written at a Level 3 reading level across 58 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What in the world is wrong with these kids! works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate What in the world is wrong with these kids! as 8ME ("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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, What in the world is wrong with these kids! explores adolescence, family, interpersonal relations, juvenile delinquents, and reading — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adolescence, family, interpersonal relations.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781567341263
- Pages
- 58
- Publisher
- Kids In Between, Inc
- Published
- 1991
- Type
- Fiction