Above
Leah Bobet
Above
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leah Bobet
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
There’s a hidden world beneath the surface where outcasts and secrets live in the shadows. Matthew and Ariel must face eerie whispers and shadowy armies that threaten their home, but what Matthew uncovers about their past changes everything — and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows a group of misfit kids, including a shapeshifter, who protect their underground community from a shadowy invasion. The story explores themes of trauma, identity, and bravery in a world filled with supernatural elements. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild fantasy violence and moments of emotional intensity.
Why we rated Above 12MP
Above is written at a Level 7 reading level across 363 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Above works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Above as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Emotional: Trauma, Physical/Safety: Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Above explores fantasy, friendship, identity & self-discovery, and adventure — 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 fantasy, friendship, identity & self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545296700
- Pages
- 363
- Publisher
- Arthur A. Levine Books
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction