Eleventh Sense
K. R. Johnson
Eleventh Sense
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by K. R. Johnson
The text is written at a 7th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp crash of tires and the cold sting of rain mix into a moment Simon will never forget. His world flips upside down when his mom is gone, but something mysterious lingers—an eleventh sense that could unlock secrets beyond belief. With bullies, silence, and danger closing in, Simon's heart races as he edges closer to a truth that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of loss, mystery, and resilience as Simon copes with his mother's sudden death and unravels a hidden secret she left behind. It addresses bullying and family tension in a thoughtful way suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the story includes emotional challenges and mild peril related to the hit-and-run and school bullying.
Why we rated Eleventh Sense 12IE
Eleventh Sense is written at a Level 7 reading level across 354 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Eleventh Sense works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Eleventh Sense as 12IE ("Intense — 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Loss & Grief, Bullying, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Eleventh Sense explores friendship, coming of age, family, mystery, and spirituality — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — 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
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Sixth Sense
Jessie Haas
Sixth Sense
Jessie Haas
11th Hour
Kristine Scarrow
11th Hour
Kristine Scarrow
Twelve-Fingered Boy
John Hornor Jacobs
Twelve-Fingered Boy
John Hornor Jacobs
A Child's Intuition
D. Dawes
A Child's Intuition
D. Dawes
Book of Samuel
Erik Raschke
Book of Samuel
Erik Raschke
Sensitive
Nina Wright
Sensitive
Nina Wright
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780982517901
- Pages
- 354
- Publisher
- Barefoot Learning Club LLC
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction