Wild cards
Simone Elkeles
Wild cards
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Simone Elkeles
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crowd roars as the ball flies through the air, but suddenly, everything changes. Superpowers and secrets collide on the field, and no one knows who will come out on top. Just when you think the game is over, a shocking twist leaves everyone holding their breath.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Wild Cards is a middle-grade science fiction adventure that blends action, sports, and superhero elements. It deals with mature themes such as death in the family, use of strong language, and instances of bullying and homophobic slurs, making it suitable for older middle-grade readers who can handle complex emotional content. Parents should be aware of these themes before sharing the book with younger or sensitive children.
Why we rated Wild cards 12IE
Wild cards is written at a Level 7 reading level across 354 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wild cards works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Wild cards as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Death, Obscene Language, Homophobic Slurs, Bullying.
Thematically, Wild cards explores superheroes, action & adventure, friendship, family, and identity & self-discovery — 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 superheroes, action & adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Wildcard
Marie Lu
Wildcard
Marie Lu
Running wild
Thomas J. Dygard
Running wild
Thomas J. Dygard
Wilder
Andrew Simonet
Wilder
Andrew Simonet
Playing With the Boys
Liz Tigelaar
Playing With the Boys
Liz Tigelaar
Select
Christie Matheson
Select
Christie Matheson
Playing with Fire
Simone Weeden
Playing with Fire
Simone Weeden
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780802734372
- Pages
- 354
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction