MAX Books in Order
MAX is a 2-book series by Allison K. Hymas for ages 9–12, at a grades 4–5 reading level, with mild content (HootRated intensity 2/5).
- Books
- 2
- By publication date
- Content intensity
- Mild
- HootRated 2/5
MAX Reading Order
Series numbers aren't available for most MAX books, so they're listed by publication date (oldest first).
| # | Title | Reading Level | Ages | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under locker and key 2017 | Level 4-5 | 9-12 | Mild |
| 2 | Arts and Thefts 2018 | Level 4-5 | 9-12 | Mild |
Content Intensity Across the Series
ConsistentContent stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.
Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. MAX (2 books by Allison K. Hymas) lands at a grades 4–5 reading level, with average content intensity 2/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.
The reading-order table above lists every book with per-volume reading level, age and intensity ratings so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.
All MAX Books
Under locker and key
Allison K. Hymas
Under locker and key
Allison K. Hymas
Arts and Thefts
Allison K. Hymas
Arts and Thefts
Allison K. Hymas
Series Like MAX: What to Read Next
Similar reading level, content intensity and themes.
- Hardy Boys Mystery Stories by Franklin W. Dixon 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle to moderate content
- Baby-Sitters Club Mystery by Ann M. Martin 9 books · Grades 3–5 · gentle to mild content
- Hardy Boys Casefiles by Franklin W. Dixon 4 books · Grades 4–5 · mild to intense content
- Gems: Nature's Jewels; Gareth Stevens Learning Library by Eric Ethan 3 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle to intense content
- Twelve Candles Club by Elaine L. Schulte 6 books · Grades 4–5 · gentle to moderate content
- American Chillers by Johnathan Rand 3 books · Grades 3–5 · mild to moderate content
Questions about the MAX series
- What reading level is the MAX series?
- MAX books are at a grades 4–5 reading level (average grade level 4.5), and HootRated recommends the series for ages 9–12. There are 2 books in the series.
- What order should I read the MAX books?
- Series numbers aren't available for most MAX books, so HootRated lists them by publication date: Under locker and key (2017); Arts and Thefts (2018).
- What age is the MAX series appropriate for?
- HootRated recommends MAX for ages 9–12. Content is mild (HootRated intensity 2/5). Intensity stays consistent across the series, so a reader who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.