Black
Fleur Ferris
Black
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Fleur Ferris
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
Ebony races through the crowded school hall, heart pounding as whispers follow her every step. Three friends lost, a curse hanging over her name, and now her date is in the hospital—something dark is waking up in Dainsfield. Can Ebony uncover the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Set in a small town with a mysterious past, this middle-grade mystery follows Ebony Marshall as she navigates the challenges of high school while confronting rumors and tragedies linked to a supposed curse. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of friendship, loss, and courage, with some intense moments related to accidents and danger that may require parental guidance.
Why we rated Black 11ME
Black is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Black works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Black 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, Black explores mystery, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, coming of age.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Black Queen
Jumata Emill
Black Queen
Jumata Emill
As Black As Ebony
Salla Simukka
As Black As Ebony
Salla Simukka
Blacklist
Alyson Noël
Blacklist
Alyson Noël
Black Friend
Frederick Joseph
Black Friend
Frederick Joseph
My name is Clary Brown
Charity Blackstock
My name is Clary Brown
Charity Blackstock
Fright night!
Jess Black
Fright night!
Jess Black
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781925324976
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Random House Australia
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction