At the edge of the world
Kari Jones
At the edge of the world
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kari Jones
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 happens when a secret hides just beneath the surface of a family? Maddie and Ivan are best friends, but Ivan's dad is fighting a tough battle with alcohol, and it’s changing everything around them. Can they hold on to their friendship when the truth threatens to come out?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges of coping with a parent's alcoholism through the eyes of two close friends. It sensitively addresses family struggles and the impact of addiction on children aged 9-12. Parents should be aware that the story handles mature themes like family problems and secrecy with appropriate care for this age group.
Why we rated At the edge of the world 11ME
At the edge of the world is written at a Level 6 reading level across 243 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, At the edge of the world works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate At the edge of the world 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 — 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, At the edge of the world explores family, friendship, family secrets, and juvenile fiction — 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 family, friendship, family secrets.
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 — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Edge
Alan Gibbons
The Edge
Alan Gibbons
The Edge
Scharlotte Rich
The Edge
Scharlotte Rich
Secrets untold
Shelia M. Goss
Secrets untold
Shelia M. Goss
At the Edge of the Woods
Beth Bracken
At the Edge of the Woods
Beth Bracken
The world turned inside out
Gail Radley
The world turned inside out
Gail Radley
Fade into the Bright
Jessica Koosed Etting
Fade into the Bright
Jessica Koosed Etting
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781459810624
- Pages
- 243
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction