Deathline
Barbara Annette Steiner
Deathline
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barbara Annette Steiner
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The phone rings in the middle of the night, and Erica answers with a steady voice. But the caller’s chilling words freeze her in place—he’s hunting girls, and Erica might be next. Can she stay one step ahead, or is the danger closing in?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This suspenseful horror novel follows Erica, a hotline volunteer who receives a terrifying call from a person claiming to be targeting girls. Suitable for teens aged 13 and up, the book contains intense suspense and themes of danger that may be unsettling for younger readers. Parents should be aware of the mature content involving threats and fear but will find a story that explores bravery and resilience.
Why we rated Deathline 9ME
Deathline is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 182 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Deathline works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Deathline 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: Suspense, Threatening Behavior.
Thematically, Deathline explores horror & ghost stories, suspense, courage, and teen volunteers — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 & ghost stories, suspense, courage.
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
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
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
- 9780380770663
- Pages
- 182
- Publisher
- Avon Books (Mm)
- Published
- November 1993
- Type
- Fiction