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Dead good read

Reader's Digest, Robert Dolezal, Of Readers Digest Editors

Cover of Dead good read

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

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

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

Horror storiesShort storiesClassic literatureChildren's stories

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 — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

223 pages
ISBN
9780762103478
Pages
223
Publisher
Reader's Digest Association
Published
2001
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Horror TalesHorror StoriesShort Stories