Deadly Past
Christopher Pike
Deadly Past
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Christopher Pike
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.
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About This Book
The sharp screech of ancient wings fills the air as giant dinosaurs stomp through Spooskville's streets, shaking the ground beneath your feet. The air smells of earth and danger, and shadows dart where flying reptiles glide overhead. Fear grips every corner—can Adam and his friends seal the ancient door before the town is lost forever?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror story features prehistoric creatures invading a small town, creating suspenseful and thrilling situations. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild peril and fantasy violence as the protagonists face dinosaurs and flying reptiles. Parents should note the story's spooky atmosphere but can expect an adventure that balances scares with teamwork and bravery.
Why we rated Deadly Past 9MP
Deadly Past is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 118 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Deadly Past works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Deadly Past as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, Deadly Past explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, and horror — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
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
- 9780340724392
- Pages
- 118
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction