Black aura
John Thomas Sladek
Black aura
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Thomas Sladek
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The rain pounds against the window as shadows creep closer, and a mysterious black aura spreads through the town. Suddenly, the lights flicker out, and everything goes silent. Who—or what—is lurking in the darkness, and what will happen next?
Quick Assessment
Black Aura is a middle-grade mystery novel suitable for ages 9 to 12, featuring suspenseful scenes and a gripping detective story. The narrative introduces young readers to intrigue and problem-solving without intense violence or mature themes. Parents can expect a thrilling but age-appropriate mystery adventure.
Why we rated Black aura 11LE
Black aura is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Black aura works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Black aura as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Black aura explores mystery, adventure, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0802754139
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Walker
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction