What reading level is An exile?

An exile by Madison Jones is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is An exile appropriate for?

An exile is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags: Loss & Grief, Identity & Self-Discovery.

Does An exile have any content warnings?

An exile has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags include: Loss & Grief, Identity & Self-Discovery. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is An exile?

An exile by Madison Jones is 157 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

An exile

Madison Jones

An exile

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Madison Jones

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 4th 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

The crisp sound of footsteps echoes on empty streets as a man walks alone, carrying memories heavier than his coat. Each breath catches the cold air, mixing with the ache of leaving behind everything he once believed. What happens when the person you were no longer feels like you at all?

Themes

Historical Coming of Age Family

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction novel explores the emotional journey of a middle-aged man grappling with exile from his former values and identity. Suitable for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully addresses themes of self-discovery and change within a historical United States setting. Parents should note the book deals with complex emotional topics but presents them in an age-appropriate manner for middle-grade readers.

Why we rated An exile 9ME

An exile is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 157 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An exile works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate An exile as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Identity & Self-Discovery.

Thematically, An exile explores historical, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.

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.
✓ Family book clubs, classroom read-alouds, and parents who want a strong conversation hook.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, coming of age, family.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.