Above World
Jenn Reese
Above World
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Above World #1
by Jenn Reese
The text is written at a 7th 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
Have you ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the waves—and what happens when the ocean's safety disappears? Thirteen-year-old Aluna, a brave warrior, and her clever friend Hoku must leave their hidden underwater home and face the dry, risky world above. What dangers await them on the surface, and can they save their people before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows 13-year-old Aluna and her friend Hoku as they journey from their secret underwater colony to the dangerous surface world after their breathing technology fails. Themes include genetic engineering, gender roles, and adventure, suitable for ages 9-12 with some mild peril. The story encourages curiosity about science and courage in the face of change.
Why we rated Above World 12LT
Above World is written at a Level 7 reading level across 356 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Above World works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Above World as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") 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 World explores mermaids, science & nature, adventure, voyages and travels, and genetic engineering — 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 mermaids, science & nature, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LT — Light — ThematicLight 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
Horizon
Jenn Reese
Horizon
Jenn Reese
The Secret World of Mermaids
Jordan Quinn
The Secret World of Mermaids
Jordan Quinn
Above
Leah Bobet
Above
Leah Bobet
Oceanborn
Amalie Howard
Oceanborn
Amalie Howard
Under the Sea
Kyla Steinkraus
Under the Sea
Kyla Steinkraus
Deep Blue
Jennifer Donnelly
Deep Blue
Jennifer Donnelly
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780763654177
- Pages
- 356
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction