Crush
Stefan Petrucha
Crush
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stefan Petrucha
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
Here's a secret: Jonathan isn't just any kid—he's an outcast with a chilling mystery swirling around him. When his high school bullies start dying under strange circumstances, and a shadowy spirit watches from outside his window, things get darker than anyone imagined. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Crush is a middle-grade supernatural horror story that follows Jonathan, a social outcast whose tormentors begin to die mysteriously. The story includes themes of bullying and supernatural elements, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy spooky, suspenseful fiction. Parents should be aware of mild horror and themes of social isolation.
Why we rated Crush 11ME
Crush is written at a Level 6 reading level across 228 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crush works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Crush 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, Crush explores supernatural, high school, horror, bullying, and social isolation — 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 supernatural, high school, horror.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780061138522
- Pages
- 228
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction