Angry Young Man
by Chris Lynch
Simon and Schuster 2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- brotherhood
- identity and belonging
- anger and self-control
- masculinity
- loyalty and responsibility
- isolation and alienation
- choices and consequences
- mental health
About this book
Two half-brothers navigate the fault lines between loyalty and independence in a tense, contemporary story. Robert seems to have a plan for life, while Xan—awkward, isolated, and searching—struggles to find where he belongs. As Xan’s frustration and anger build, Robert must decide how to help without pushing his brother further away. Gritty and fast-paced, this novel speaks to teens about identity, choices, and the power of family support.
Setting: a contemporary, working-class New England town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angry Young Man right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Angry Young Man. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include brotherhood, identity and belonging, anger and self-control.
How long does it take to read Angry Young Man?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Angry Young Man takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Angry Young Man have an AR quiz?
Yes — Angry Young Man has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Angry Young Man?
Angry Young Man has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.