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Wild Times at Westmount High

Harrell

Cover of Wild Times at Westmount High

Wild Times at Westmount High

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Harrell

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The buzz of chatter fills the cafeteria, mixing with the scrape of chairs and the faint scent of fresh paint. Suddenly, the usual silence around the lunch tables starts to crack as Ann Lee Smith dares to challenge the new principal’s strict rules. What begins as a small dance promise soon turns into a whirlwind that shakes up Westmount High forever.

Quick Assessment

Set in a typical high school environment, this story explores themes of change, rebellion, and community as students respond to new restrictions imposed by their principal. Suitable for teens aged 13-18, the book deals with typical adolescent experiences and school life challenges. There is no significant content concern, making it appropriate for middle to high school readers.

Why we rated Wild Times at Westmount High 9LE

Wild Times at Westmount High is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 164 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wild Times at Westmount High works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Wild Times at Westmount High as 9LE ("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, Wild Times at Westmount High explores coming of age, family, friendship, and school life — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

164 pages
ISBN
9780671685706
Pages
164
Publisher
Simon Pulse
Published
December 1, 1989
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Young AdultHigh SchoolsStudents