Gatekeepers
Robert Liparulo
Gatekeepers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Liparulo
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The house talks. It breathes. And it’s hungry. The Kings have been in the creepy old place—their new home—for only a few days, but they’ve experienced enough terror to last a lifetime. And the mystery is growing even more baffling. Shadowy and shifting, the big house conceals doors into other worlds that blur the line between memories and dreams—and the slightest misstep can change history forever. At least, that’s if they believe the trembling old man who shows up claiming to know them. “There’s a reason you’re in the house,” he says. “As gatekeepers we must make sure only the events that are supposed to happen get through to the future.” The problem is that horrors beyond description wait on the other side of the gates. As if that wasn’t enough to terrify the family, they are also menaced by sinister forces on this side—like the dark, ancient stranger who wants them out now. The siblings must venture beyond the gates to save their missing mother—and discover how truly high the stakes have become. “If you like creepy and mysterious, this is the house for you! Every room opens a door to magic, true horror, and amazing surprises. I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?” —R.L. Stine, bestselling author of the Fear Street and Goosebumps Series Book 3 in the Dreamhouse Kings series Book 1: House of Dark Shadows Book 2: Watcher in the Woods Book 3: Gatekeepers Book 4: Timescape Book 5: Whirlwind Book 6: Frenzy Fast-paced, time travel YA Book length: appr. 60,000 words Includes reading group guide
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 7 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Gatekeepers Level 0
Gatekeepers is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gatekeepers works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Gatekeepers as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781418572099
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Thomas Nelson
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction