Wilder
Andrew Simonet
Wilder
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Simonet
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Wilder is the kind of story that grabs you and doesn’t let go because it shows what happens when two teens from totally different worlds collide during in-school suspension. Their anger and secrets spark something unexpected—something that changes everything. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about passion and the choices that shape who we become.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Wilder is a young adult novel exploring themes of juvenile delinquency, family dynamics, and cultural identity through the experiences of two teenagers placed in in-school suspension. It addresses complex emotions like anger and the consequences of violence, suitable for readers aged 13 to 18. Parents should note the presence of realistic conflict and themes related to school discipline and family challenges.
Why we rated Wilder 12ME
Wilder is written at a Level 7 reading level across 312 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wilder works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Wilder as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Student suspension, Juvenile delinquency.
Thematically, Wilder explores juvenile delinquency, families, multicultural, coming of age, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about juvenile delinquency, families, multicultural.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Wild Boy
Jones Rob Lloyd
Wild Boy
Jones Rob Lloyd
Wild Child
Mike Wells
Wild Child
Mike Wells
Wilder Boys
Brandon Wallace
Wilder Boys
Brandon Wallace
Wild Boy
Jill Dawson
Wild Boy
Jill Dawson
Wild, Wild West
Dina Anastasio
Wild, Wild West
Dina Anastasio
Wilder and Sunny
S. J. Dahlstrom
Wilder and Sunny
S. J. Dahlstrom
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374309251
- Pages
- 312
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction