What's Next?
Kerry Hannon
What's Next?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job
by Kerry Hannon
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
You’re sitting at your desk, staring at the clock as the minutes drag by. What if the job you have now isn’t the one you’re meant for? Suddenly, a story flashes on the screen—a former cop turned music agent just took a risk that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book introduces readers to the concept of career change through engaging stories of adults who pursued their dreams. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers practical advice and inspiration without overwhelming complexity, encouraging children to think about following their passions in the future. There is no intense content, making it a safe and motivational read for this age group.
Why we rated What's Next? 11C
What's Next? is written at a Level 6 reading level across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What's Next? works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate What's Next? as 11C ("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's Next? explores career, business & economics, english & college success, personal growth, and inspiration — 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 career, business & economics, english & college success.
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
11C — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780811877497
- Pages
- 216
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction