Dig
A. S. King
Dig
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by A. S. King
The text is written at a 8th 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
What if digging into the past could uncover secrets that change everything about who you are? Imagine a world where hidden truths about family and society come to light, challenging what you thought was right. But what happens when those truths threaten to tear everything apart?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Dig by A.S. King is a young adult novel that explores complex social themes such as prejudice, racism, and class differences. Targeted at readers ages 13-18, it delves into challenging topics through a compelling narrative, encouraging thoughtful reflection. The book is presented in large print format to support struggling and reluctant readers.
Why we rated Dig 12ME
Dig is written at a Level 8 reading level across 595 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dig works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Dig as 12ME ("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, social complexity — 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, Dig explores young adult fiction, social themes, prejudice & racism, class differences, and coming of age — 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 young adult fiction, social themes, prejudice & racism.
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
12ME — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781432875589
- Pages
- 595
- Publisher
- Thorndike Striving Reader
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction