Becoming of Noah Shaw
Michelle Hodkin
Becoming of Noah Shaw
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michelle Hodkin
The text is written at a 7th 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
Here's a secret: Noah Shaw isn't just any kid—he's tangled up in mysteries darker than anyone suspects. Shadows from the past creep closer, and every promise might hide a deadly surprise, but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Becoming of Noah Shaw is a middle-grade supernatural fiction novel exploring complex themes such as suicide and emotional challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mature elements that may require parental guidance and discussion. The story deepens mysteries from the Mara Dyer series, blending suspense with emotional depth.
Why we rated Becoming of Noah Shaw 12IE
Becoming of Noah Shaw is written at a Level 7 reading level across 398 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Becoming of Noah Shaw works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Becoming of Noah Shaw as 12IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide.
Thematically, Becoming of Noah Shaw explores supernatural, mystery, emotional struggle, and coming of age — 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 supernatural, mystery, emotional struggle.
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
12IE — Intense — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781536448634
- Pages
- 398
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster, Incorporated
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction