A darker secret
Tyler Michael Stentiford
A darker secret
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tyler Michael Stentiford
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if your father’s death was just the beginning of a much bigger mystery? Fourteen-year-old Jordan discovers she comes from a powerful line of protectors sworn to defend a hidden world. But can she stop the dark creatures threatening to destroy everything before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows fourteen-year-old Jordan as she uncovers her family’s secret legacy and her role in protecting a magical world from dark forces. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of good versus evil, supernatural elements, and family bonds, with mild peril appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated A darker secret 9LE
A darker secret is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A darker secret works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A darker secret as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A darker secret explores good and evil, supernatural, angels, fathers and daughters, and orphans — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about good and evil, supernatural, angels.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The darkest corners
Kara Thomas
The darkest corners
Kara Thomas
Darkness Rises
Stacy Stokes
Darkness Rises
Stacy Stokes
Dark Secrets
Elizabeth Chandler
Dark Secrets
Elizabeth Chandler
Facing the dark
Harrison, Michael
Facing the dark
Harrison, Michael
Dark star
Bethany Frenette
Dark star
Bethany Frenette
The secret within
Theresa Martin Golding
The secret within
Theresa Martin Golding
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781601383150
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Atlantic Pub. Group, Inc.
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction