Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Blind
Rachel DeWoskin
Blind
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rachel DeWoskin
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.
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About This Book
Emma’s world flips upside down when she loses her sight, but she’s not letting that stop her. Starting high school as a sophomore, she discovers that some changes open doors to new strengths and unexpected friendships. What will Emma find on this new path?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Blind follows fifteen-year-old Emma as she adjusts to life after losing her sight in a traumatic accident. Set in a large family, the story explores themes of resilience, adaptation, and interpersonal relationships appropriate for middle-grade readers. Parents should note the emotional journey of coping with disability, presented with sensitivity and hope.
Why we rated Blind 11ME
Blind is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 900L across 394 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Blind works for readers up to grade 8.5.
We rate Blind 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, Blind explores disability representation, family, coming of age, and interpersonal relations — 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 disability representation, family, 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780670785223
- Pages
- 394
- Publisher
- Viking
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 900L