Carry On
Rainbow Rowell
Carry On
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Bookshelf Edition
by Rainbow Rowell
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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
Here’s a secret: Simon Snow might be the worst Chosen One ever. His magic misfires, his mentor ignores him, and worst of all, there’s a scary monster wearing his face! But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Carry On follows Simon Snow, a young wizard struggling with his magical powers and a mysterious doppelgänger monster. This young adult fantasy blends romance, mystery, and supernatural elements, suitable for teens aged 13 to 18. Readers should be aware of paranormal themes, mild fantasy violence, and romantic content typical of the genre.
Why we rated Carry On 12ME
Carry On is written at a Level 8 reading level across 528 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Carry On works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Carry On 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Paranormal Themes, Fantasy Violence, Romantic Content.
Thematically, Carry On explores young adult fiction, fantasy world-building, romance, mystery, and paranormal — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult fiction, fantasy world-building, romance.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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.
Content Flags
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
A World Without Princes
Soman Chainani
A World Without Princes
Soman Chainani
Carly the school fairy
Daisy Meadows
Carly the school fairy
Daisy Meadows
Spellbound
Rachel Hawkins
Spellbound
Rachel Hawkins
Showing Off
Sarah Mlynowski
Showing Off
Sarah Mlynowski
Rainbow
Hannah Shaw
Rainbow
Hannah Shaw
The cruel prince
Holly Black
The cruel prince
Holly Black
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250806918
- Pages
- 528
- Publisher
- Wednesday Books
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction