Fire the depths
Peter Lerangis
Fire the depths
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peter Lerangis
Max Tilt
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Thirteen-year-old Max discovers a secret manuscript from his ancestor Jules Verne that could save his family from losing their home. Alongside his cousin Alex, Max embarks on a thrilling quest filled with underwater mysteries, giant sea creatures, and dangerous whirlpools. But they must race against a determined adversary who wants the treasure for his own world-changing plans.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence, physical danger. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Fire the depths 9LP
Fire the depths is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 357 pages (approximately 62,689 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fire the depths works for readers up to grade 6.3.
Read aloud, Fire the depths runs about 7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Fire the depths as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Physical Danger.
Thematically, Fire the depths explores adventure, family, mystery, and science & nature — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, family, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062441003
- Pages
- 357
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 62,689
- Read-Aloud
- ~6h 58m
- Text Density
- Standard