What's the Matter With A.J.?
Lawrence Balter
What's the Matter With A.J.?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Understanding Jealousy
by Lawrence Balter
Illustrated by Roz Schanzer
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The soft cooing of a newborn fills the house, but A.J. feels a storm swirling inside him. His heart pounds and his hands clench as big feelings take over, making him act in ways he never expected. Can A.J. find a way to share love with his new baby brother?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This story explores the complex emotions a young child experiences with the arrival of a new sibling, including jealousy and anger. It offers a gentle portrayal suitable for early readers ages 5 to 8 and includes helpful guidance for parents and educators on addressing these feelings constructively.
Why we rated What's the Matter With A.J.? 7LE
What's the Matter With A.J.? is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What's the Matter With A.J.? works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate What's the Matter With A.J.? as 7LE ("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, What's the Matter With A.J.? explores family, brothers and sisters, emotions, and childhood — 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 family, brothers and sisters, emotions.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hello, new baby!
Annie Auerbach
Hello, new baby!
Annie Auerbach
Billy and the baby
Tony Bradman
Billy and the baby
Tony Bradman
Jenny's baby brother
Smith, Peter
Jenny's baby brother
Smith, Peter
Baby Brother-Itis
Mary Arnold
Baby Brother-Itis
Mary Arnold
What Happened to A.J.? (Human Race Club)
Joy Berry
What Happened to A.J.? (Human Race Club)
Joy Berry
Benny's Baby Brother
Shirley Simon
Benny's Baby Brother
Shirley Simon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780516082493
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Childrens Press
- Published
- April 1990
- Type
- Fiction