Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(2) Sea Level

The Bad Beginning is written for kids as young as eight years old, so most folks who make it past the third grade should be able to tackle this hill with no problem. Snicket's style is unique, and even though he sometimes uses big words that readers might be unfamiliar with, he almost always defines them in the next sentence. You're in for a pretty easy (and super fun) read, despite the warning on the back cover.