What reading level is You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!?

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton is at a Level 5-6 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! appropriate for?

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril.

What genre is You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!?

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the NO OFFICIAL SERIES TITLE series.

Does You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! have any content warnings?

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! has a HootRating of 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!?

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton is 176 pages (approximately 11,345 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!

Andy Stanton

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Andy Stanton

Illustrated by Chad Dezern

NO OFFICIAL SERIES TITLE

Reading Level 5-6 10LP Ages 5-8 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Mr. Gum is the grumpiest man around, known for his perfect garden until a joyful giant dog named Jake tramples it. When Mr. Gum plots a sneaky revenge involving some dangerous meat, a brave girl named Polly steps in to stop him, protect Jake, and show everyone that kindness always wins. Packed with silly twists and funny moments, this tale will have young readers laughing out loud!

Themes

AnimalsHumor Friendship Adventure

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! 10LP

You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 176 pages (approximately 11,345 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! works for readers up to grade 7.4.

Read aloud, You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! runs about 1.3 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! as 10LP ("Light — Physical") 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.

Thematically, You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! explores animals, humor, friendship, and adventure — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, humor, friendship.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 41 more books in the NO OFFICIAL SERIES TITLE series.