App of the Living Dead
Kim Harrington
App of the Living Dead
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kim Harrington
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
What if a new game could turn your friends into zombies? Bex and Charlie thought they'd seen it all, but when the whole town gets hooked on a creepy new app and people start changing, it's up to them to figure out the mystery. Can they stop the living dead and save everyone before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel blends science fiction and adventure as two friends face a zombie outbreak linked to a popular new game. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and courage. Parents should note mild horror elements involving zombies and some suspenseful moments.
Why we rated App of the Living Dead 9LE
App of the Living Dead is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 118 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, App of the Living Dead works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate App of the Living Dead as 9LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, App of the Living Dead explores friendship, adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, and horror stories — 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 friendship, adventure, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! 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
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781454926184
- Pages
- 118
- Publisher
- Union Square Kids
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction