Door
Andy Marino
Door
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andy Marino
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
Hannah Silver isn’t like other kids—she hears voices no one else can and senses hidden secrets all around her. When her mother is suddenly taken away, Hannah discovers a mysterious door that could change everything she knows about the world. What lies beyond might be the key to saving her—and that’s a secret no one else can unlock.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows twelve-year-old Hannah Silver as she navigates the challenges of grief after her mother’s murder, while uncovering a mysterious door that might lead to an alternate world. The story blends supernatural elements with themes of loss and self-discovery, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should be aware of the emotional weight related to death and mystery but will find a thoughtful exploration of resilience.
Why we rated Door 11ME
Door is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Door works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Door 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, Door explores family, mystery, coming of age, and fantasy world-building — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, mystery, coming of age.
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 — 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545551373
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Scholastic Australia
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction