Dare me
Eric Devine
Dare me
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eric Devine
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The roar of engines and the sharp scent of burning rubber fill the air as Ben and his friends race toward their next daring stunt. Each jump and trick thrills thousands online, but behind the cheers, a shadowy voice pushes them to risk more than ever before. What happens when the thrill turns into something too wild to control?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Dare Me follows Ben and his friends as they create exciting daredevil videos that gain internet fame. However, when an anonymous sponsor starts demanding more dangerous stunts, the boys face pressure that escalates beyond their comfort and safety. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this book explores themes of peer pressure, risk-taking, and the impact of social media, with some tension around safety and decision-making.
Why we rated Dare me 12ME
Dare me is written at a Level 7 reading level across 336 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dare me works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Dare me 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Dare me explores friendship, adventure, social media influence, and risk and consequences — 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 friendship, adventure, social media influence.
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.
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
The Dare
Robert Lawrence Stine
The Dare
Robert Lawrence Stine
I Dare You
Steve Brezenoff
I Dare You
Steve Brezenoff
The Daredevils
Rob Buyea
The Daredevils
Rob Buyea
Daredevils And Show-offs (On the Edge)
David Harris
Daredevils And Show-offs (On the Edge)
David Harris
Daredevils
Rob Buyea
Daredevils
Rob Buyea
Daredevils
Bill Condon
Daredevils
Bill Condon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780762450152
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- Running Press Kids
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction