Above the moon
Antonia Saxon
Above the moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Antonia Saxon
The text is written at a 6th 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
The sharp hiss of the Waste Converter Tanks fills the cold air around Rusty as he stares in disbelief—there, just moments ago, was a body dissolving into nothing. On a space station bustling with 25,000 people, how can someone vanish without a trace? Rusty’s heart pounds with questions that echo through the metal corridors, but no one believes him—and the mystery is far from over.
Quick Assessment
Set on a space station orbiting Earth, this middle-grade novel follows Rusty McPhee as he uncovers a puzzling disappearance that no one else seems to notice. The story blends elements of science fiction and mystery with themes of courage and perseverance. Suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, it contains mild suspense but no graphic content.
Why we rated Above the moon 11LE
Above the moon is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Above the moon works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Above the moon as 11LE ("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, Above the moon explores adventure, science & nature, mystery, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671536411
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Fiction