Dry ice
Stephen White
Dry ice
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephen White
The text is written at a 8th 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
Alan Gregory’s heart pounds as footsteps echo behind him—Michael McClelland is on the loose, and he knows secrets no one else should. Every shadow feels like a trap, and every moment could change everything. But what does McClelland really want, and how far will he go to get it?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows clinical psychologist Alan Gregory as he and his family face danger from an escaped mental hospital patient who knows intimate details about their lives. The story contains suspenseful moments and explores themes of psychological tension suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware of mild peril and some intense emotional situations.
Why we rated Dry ice 12ME
Dry ice is written at a Level 8 reading level across 518 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dry ice works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Dry ice 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Dry ice explores mystery, psychology, family, and suspense — 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 mystery, psychology, family.
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.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780451221001
- Pages
- 518
- Publisher
- Berkley
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction