Gone
Mo Hayder
Gone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mo Hayder
The text is written at a 8th 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
What if a mysterious disappearance in a quiet town hides secrets beneath the surface? Imagine police divers searching deep waters and detectives racing against time to find missing children. Every clue leads closer to the truth, but can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Gone by Mo Hayder is a gripping mystery suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, featuring detective Jack Caffery and police divers as they investigate the disappearance of children. The story explores themes of suspense and police work with moderate intensity, though some scenes may be intense for sensitive readers. Parents should be aware that the book involves missing children and police investigations, but it remains appropriate for the intended age group.
Why we rated Gone 12ME
Gone is written at a Level 8 reading level across 415 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gone works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Gone as 12ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Gone explores mystery, police, missing children, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, police, missing children.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780802145703
- Pages
- 415
- Publisher
- Jack Caffery/Walking Man
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction