Dead Below
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Dead Below
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
The text is written at a 4th 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 air smells like old wood and rain as Treva walks down the creaky streets of her new Philadelphia neighborhood. Whispered voices float through the fog, and ghostly figures flicker just beyond her sight. What do these restless spirits want, and why have they chosen Treva to listen?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Dead Below is a middle-grade historical fiction novel with paranormal and horror elements, set in Philadelphia. The story follows Treva Gallo as she encounters ghosts and uncovers the neighborhood's mysterious past, blending suspense with themes of history and the supernatural. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it contains mild spooky moments but no graphic content.
Why we rated Dead Below 9LP
Dead Below is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 136 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dead Below works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Dead Below as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Dead Below explores historical, paranormal, occult & supernatural, mystery, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, paranormal, occult & supernatural.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9781631634802
- Pages
- 136
- Publisher
- Jolly Fish Press
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction