What Next?
Pam Spencer, Pam Spencer Holley
What Next?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Reader's Guide to Fiction for Young Adults
by Pam Spencer, Pam Spencer Holley
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what comes after your biggest dreams? Imagine stepping into a world where every choice leads to a new adventure, but which path will you take next? The journey is just starting, and the answers are waiting to be discovered.
Themes
Quick Assessment
What Next? is a middle-grade fiction book that explores themes of faith and decision-making through engaging storytelling. Aimed at readers ages 9 to 12, it provides a thoughtful look at Christian values integrated with everyday challenges. This book is suitable for families seeking literature that supports Christian education without heavy conflict or mature themes.
Why we rated What Next? 9C
What Next? is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What Next? works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate What Next? as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, What Next? explores christian education - children & youth, christian education - teaching methods, religion - educational resources, coming of age, and family — 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 christian education - children & youth, christian education - teaching methods, religion - educational resources.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
What Next?
Augsburg Books, Augsburg Fortress Publishers Staff
What Next?
Augsburg Books, Augsburg Fortress Publishers Staff
What's Next?
Kerry Hannon
What's Next?
Kerry Hannon
What Do Young Adults Read Next?
Pam Spencer
What Do Young Adults Read Next?
Pam Spencer
What Do Children Read Next: A Reader's Guide to Fiction for Children : What Do Young Adults Read Next
Pam Spencer
What Do Children Read Next: A Reader's Guide to Fiction for Children : What Do Young Adults Read Next
Pam Spencer
The Next Level
Youth Specialties
The Next Level
Youth Specialties
What comes next?
Val Heal
What comes next?
Val Heal
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9786000117825
- Pages
- 176
- Publisher
- Augsburg Fortress Publishers
- Published
- January 2001
- Type
- Nonfiction