You will call me Drog
Sue Cowing
You will call me Drog
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sue Cowing
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Parker’s puppet isn’t just a toy—it’s a stubborn shadow that won’t let go. This isn’t about magic; it’s about finding the courage to face friends, family, and fears head-on. Because standing up for yourself might be the hardest battle of all.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of self-confidence, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships through the story of an 11-year-old boy struggling with a puppet that symbolizes his challenges. It sensitively addresses divorce and the pressures Parker faces from his family and himself, suitable for readers aged 9-12. The book also incorporates elements of aikido, which adds a unique perspective on discipline and self-control.
Why we rated You will call me Drog 11ME
You will call me Drog is written at a Level 6 reading level across 281 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, You will call me Drog works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate You will call me Drog as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, You will call me Drog explores puppets, self-confidence, divorce & family change, aikido, and interpersonal relations — 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 puppets, self-confidence, divorce & family change.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780761360766
- Pages
- 281
- Publisher
- Carolrhoda Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction