Dark Is Rising
Susan Cooper
Dark Is Rising
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Cooper
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crisp rustle of autumn leaves fills the air as Will Stanton steps into a world where shadows whisper secrets and magic pulses beneath the surface. Strange signs and ancient powers draw him into a battle between light and dark that will test his courage and heart. Will he find the strength to face the rising darkness?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Dark Is Rising is a middle-grade fantasy novel following Will Stanton, who discovers his role in an ancient struggle between good and evil. The story weaves magical elements with themes of bravery and self-discovery, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. The book contains mild fantasy peril but is appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated Dark Is Rising 11LE
Dark Is Rising is written at a Level 6 reading level across 244 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dark Is Rising works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dark Is Rising as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Dark Is Rising explores fantasy world-building, magic, coming of age, and adventure — 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, magic, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780784822128
- Pages
- 244
- Publisher
- Everbind
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction