Forgotten city
Michael Ford
Forgotten city
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Ford
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
Kobi races through the crumbling streets, his heart pounding as shadows twist into strange, mutated creatures all around him. His dad has vanished without a trace, and every step closer to the truth pulls Kobi deeper into a dangerous secret. Just when he thinks he’s safe, something moves in the darkness—waiting.
Quick Assessment
This thrilling middle grade novel follows Kobi’s journey in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly chemical called Waste. After losing his father, Kobi uncovers a conspiracy that threatens what’s left of humanity. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains themes of survival, mutation, and family bonds, with some intense moments of peril and suspense.
Why we rated Forgotten city 11ME
Forgotten city is written at a Level 6 reading level across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Forgotten city works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Forgotten city 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, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild peril, Survival challenges.
Thematically, Forgotten city explores mutation (biology), survival, family, conspiracies, and adventure — 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 mutation (biology), survival, 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
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
- 9780062696960
- Pages
- 262
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction