Freaks Like Us
Susan Vaught
Freaks Like Us
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Vaught
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The bus screeches to a halt, and you spot your best friend nowhere in sight. You’re not just any kid—you’re the one everyone calls a freak because of your struggles. But when your friend disappears, you have to dive into the mystery, even if it means facing secrets that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows a mentally ill teenager who uses his unique perspective to investigate the sudden disappearance of his best friend. It sensitively explores themes of mental health, friendship, and social challenges appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the book addresses depression and mental illness with empathy and includes some mystery elements.
Why we rated Freaks Like Us 11ME
Freaks Like Us is written at a Level 6 reading level across 257 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Freaks Like Us works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Freaks Like Us 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Depression & Mental Illness.
Thematically, Freaks Like Us explores mystery, friendship, mental health, social themes, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, mental health.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Freaks
Kieran Larwood
Freaks
Kieran Larwood
Freak
Marcella Fleischman Pixley
Freak
Marcella Fleischman Pixley
Freaks
Annette Curtis Klause
Freaks
Annette Curtis Klause
Freakling
Lana Krumwiede
Freakling
Lana Krumwiede
Freaks and Shrieks
R.L. Stine
Freaks and Shrieks
R.L. Stine
Food Freak
Alex Van Tol
Food Freak
Alex Van Tol
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781619631632
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2014-02-18
- Type
- Fiction