Broken
Marianne Curley
Broken
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marianne Curley
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
The wind howls as shadows close in around you. You’re not sure if it’s fear or something far stranger gripping your heart. Suddenly, a mysterious light bursts through the darkness—but what will it reveal?
Quick Assessment
Broken is the second book in Marianne Curley's trilogy, blending elements of fantasy and adventure through a magical love story. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of courage and supernatural forces with mild peril and emotional depth. Parents should note the fantasy violence and emotional challenges typical of middle-grade fiction.
Why we rated Broken 12ME
Broken is written at a Level 7 reading level across 384 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Broken works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Broken 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, Broken explores fantasy world-building, adventure, romance, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, romance.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781619631687
- Pages
- 384
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction