Facing the dark
Harrison, Michael
Facing the dark
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Harrison, Michael
The text is written at a 4th 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
Here's a secret: Simon's father has been arrested for a terrible crime, but Simon just can't believe it. When he teams up with Charley, the daughter of the victim, they uncover clues no one else sees—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Simon as he tries to clear his father's name after a murder accusation. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of crime and justice with mild suspense and no graphic content. Parents should be aware of the murder theme, but the depiction is appropriate for this reading level.
Why we rated Facing the dark 9ME
Facing the dark is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Facing the dark works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Facing the dark 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Facing the dark explores mystery, family, friendship, and coming of age — 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 mystery, family, friendship.
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.
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
- 0823414914
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Holiday House
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction