Going Dark
Robison Wells
Going Dark
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Blackout Novella
by Robison Wells
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The air crackles with heat, and a strange warmth tingles on your skin. Krezi feels it too—her fever burns bright, and suddenly, things around her burst into flames without a single burn. What if these fiery powers are just the start of something much bigger?
Quick Assessment
Going Dark is an early reader science fiction novella about Krezi, a young girl who develops mysterious fiery abilities she cannot control. The story explores themes of self-discovery and the potential dangers of power in a fast-paced, accessible narrative suitable for children ages 5 to 8. Parents should note the presence of fever and unexplained phenomena, but the content is appropriate for early elementary readers.
Why we rated Going Dark 8LE
Going Dark is written at a Level 3 reading level across 55 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going Dark works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Going Dark as 8LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Going Dark explores science & nature, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062275080
- Pages
- 55
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction