A place to hide
Barnes Johnny Ray.
A place to hide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barnes Johnny Ray.
Strange Matter
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.
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About This Book
Twelve-year-old Trey and his friends journey into the mysterious Dark Woods, hoping to find a forgotten fort. Along the way, they must face terrifying scaly creatures determined to block their path. Together, they discover courage and magic in the heart of the forest.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated A place to hide 9LP
A place to hide is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 126 pages (approximately 18,039 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A place to hide works for readers up to grade 6.3.
Read aloud, A place to hide runs about 2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate A place to hide as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, A place to hide explores adventure, friendship, and fantasy world-building — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0836816706
- Pages
- 126
- Publisher
- Gareth Stevens Publishing
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 18,039
- Read-Aloud
- ~2h 0m
- Text Density
- Light Text