Between
David Hofmeyr
Between
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by David Hofmeyr
The text is written at a 8th 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 your best friend vanished in front of you during a crazy train crash? Imagine stepping into a wild adventure across countless worlds to bring them back. But beware—dark forces are chasing you, and the fate of the entire universe hangs in the balance!
Themes
Quick Assessment
Between is a thrilling middle-grade fantasy about Ana Moon, a 17-year-old girl who embarks on a dangerous journey across multiple universes to rescue her missing best friend. The story touches on themes of friendship, mental health challenges, and confronting evil, with some intense scenes including a train crash and battles against dark creatures. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains mild peril and emotional challenges but handles them in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Between 12ME
Between is written at a Level 8 reading level across 400 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Between works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Between as 12ME ("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, Between explores adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building, mental health, 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 adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building.
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
12ME — 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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Between Worlds
Skip Brittenham
Between Worlds
Skip Brittenham
Between
T. J. Amberson
Between
T. J. Amberson
Between Worlds
Roselyn Barks
Between Worlds
Roselyn Barks
Between Now and Never
Carla Carafelli
Between Now and Never
Carla Carafelli
Between Two Worlds
Candice F. Ransom
Between Two Worlds
Candice F. Ransom
Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399551147
- Pages
- 400
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction