The Trouble in Me
by Jack Gantos
2015
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- peer pressure
- identity
- rebellion
- consequences
- family dynamics
- masculinity
- friendship
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Jack is desperate to reinvent himself, and the cool, reckless neighbor across the street seems like the perfect guide. As Jack gets pulled into bigger risks and bad decisions, he starts to question who he wants to be and what real courage looks like. Told with Jack Gantos’s sharp humor and honesty, this fast-paced, slice-of-life story speaks to the intensity of early teen years. Great for readers who like realistic, character-driven books about choices and consequences.
Setting: suburban Florida, 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Trouble in Me right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Trouble in Me. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include coming of age, peer pressure, identity.
How long does it take to read The Trouble in Me?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Trouble in Me takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Trouble in Me have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Trouble in Me has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 The Trouble in Me?
The Trouble in Me has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.