HootRated mascot HootRated

Archivist wasp

Nicole Kornher-Stace

Cover of Archivist wasp

Archivist wasp

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Nicole Kornher-Stace

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th 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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What if you could escape a scary fate by teaming up with a ghost? Imagine following a brave supersoldier's spirit into the mysterious underworld, where every step could change everything. But can they trust each other long enough to survive what lies ahead?

Themes

FantasyAdventureGhostsFriendship

Quick Assessment

Archivist Wasp is a middle-grade fantasy novel about a postapocalyptic ghosthunter who partners with the ghost of a supersoldier on a dangerous journey to the underworld. The story explores themes of friendship, courage, and adventure with mild supernatural elements suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note that the book contains fantasy violence and ghostly themes but no graphic content.

Why we rated Archivist wasp 11ME

Archivist wasp is written at a Level 6 reading level across 268 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Archivist wasp works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Archivist wasp as 11ME ("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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Archivist wasp explores fantasy, adventure, ghosts, and friendship — 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, adventure, ghosts.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

268 pages
ISBN
9781618730978
Pages
268
Publisher
Small Beer Press
Published
2015
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

FantasyGoddessesSoldiersGhostsSerie:Archivist_WaspFantasy FictionScience FictionFantasy & MagicGirls & Women