Fade
Robert Cormier
Fade
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Cormier
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
A soft whisper of silence fills the room as Paul realizes his secret: he can vanish into thin air. The cool air brushes against his skin as he tests his power, feeling both the thrill and the chill of invisibility. But with this gift comes a shadowy danger that creeps closer, threatening to change everything forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Fade by Robert Cormier tells the story of Paul, a boy who discovers he can make himself disappear. While the supernatural element is intriguing for middle-grade readers, the story explores darker themes such as fear and suspense, which may be intense for younger children. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should be aware of the book's mature undertones and suspenseful atmosphere.
Why we rated Fade 11ME
Fade is written at a Level 6 reading level across 293 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fade works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Fade 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Suspense.
Thematically, Fade explores supernatural, mystery, fear & anxiety, coming of age, and french canadians — 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 supernatural, mystery, fear & anxiety.
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.
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
- 9780440204879
- Pages
- 293
- Publisher
- New York : Dell Pub.
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction