Dead Low Tide
Eddie Jones
Dead Low Tide
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eddie Jones
The text is written at a 4th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What secrets hide beneath the retreating tide? When Nick and his sister Wendy discover a mysterious girl who seems to have come back from the dead, the beach vacation turns into a race against time. Can they uncover the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Set in Savannah, Georgia, this middle-grade supernatural mystery follows Nick and his sister Wendy as they investigate the eerie appearance of a girl believed to be dead. The story involves themes of kidnapping and supernatural elements, suitable for ages 9-12, with mild suspense and spooky moments. Parents should note the presence of supernatural horror and a kidnapping plot, but the story maintains an age-appropriate tone for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Dead Low Tide 9ME
Dead Low Tide is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 156 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dead Low Tide works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Dead Low Tide as 9ME ("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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Fear & Anxiety, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Dead Low Tide explores supernatural, mystery, adventure, and family — 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 supernatural, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
High Tide
Robert Lawrence Stine
High Tide
Robert Lawrence Stine
Dead man's hand
Jordan Cray
Dead man's hand
Jordan Cray
Dead List
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Dead List
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Dead in the Water
Townsend, John
Dead in the Water
Townsend, John
Dead Girls Dont Lie
Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Dead Girls Dont Lie
Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Deadweather and Sunrise
Geoff Rodkey
Deadweather and Sunrise
Geoff Rodkey
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780310723936
- Pages
- 156
- Publisher
- Zonderkidz
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction