Dead good read
Reader's Digest, Robert Dolezal, Of Readers Digest Editors
Dead good read
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Twenty One Classic Tales of Mystery & Horror
by Reader's Digest, Robert Dolezal, Of Readers Digest Editors
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
Did you know some of the creepiest stories ever written started more than a hundred years ago? These tales from famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley will send shivers down your spine—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features retellings of over twenty classic horror stories originally written before the early twentieth century by notable authors such as Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelley, and Edgar Allan Poe. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, the book introduces young readers to classic literature with spooky themes presented in an accessible way. Parents should be aware that the horror elements are mild to moderate and appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Dead good read 11ME
Dead good read is written at a Level 6 reading level across 223 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dead good read works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dead good read 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, Dead good read explores horror stories, short stories, classic literature, and children's stories — 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 horror stories, short stories, classic literature.
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
- 9780762103478
- Pages
- 223
- Publisher
- Reader's Digest Association
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction