Gone Away
Ruth Tomalin
Gone Away
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ruth Tomalin
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
There's a secret lurking in Falcon House that Francie doesn't know about—whispers at night and mysterious taps on her window keep her wondering. Even the old dog Rasselas acts strangely, full of excitement like a puppy, whenever he reaches the top of the stairs. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Gone Away is a young adult mystery centered around Francie's discovery of unsettling secrets in Falcon House. Suitable for readers aged 13 to 18, the story explores suspenseful themes with mild supernatural elements and a focus on curiosity and determination. The book is appropriate for middle graders transitioning into young adult fiction and contains no graphic content.
Why we rated Gone Away 9LE
Gone Away is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 158 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gone Away works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Gone Away as 9LE ("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, Gone Away explores mystery, coming of age, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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, coming of age, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
- 9780571153435
- Pages
- 158
- Publisher
- Faber & Faber
- Published
- October 1990
- Type
- Fiction