Dark Dude (w.t.)
Oscar Hijuelos
Dark Dude (w.t.)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Oscar Hijuelos
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Set in the 1960s, a light-skinned Cuban American teen leaves behind the chaos of New York City for a small Wisconsin town, hoping for acceptance. Despite the change of scenery, he confronts harsh prejudice and struggles to find where he truly belongs. His journey reveals the challenges of identity and the pain of feeling like an outsider.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include prejudice & racism, violence, identity & self-discovery. Written for readers ages 13+.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal 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
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416948049
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Atheneum
- Published
- September 16, 2008
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 77,517
- Read-Aloud
- ~8h 37m
- Text Density
- Standard