Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Hawking's Hallway
Neal Shusterman
Hawking's Hallway
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Neal Shusterman
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Nick races through a shadowy hallway, heart pounding as he clutches a strange glowing device. The power-hungry Accelerati are closing in, and the fate of the world's energy rests on finding Tesla’s final inventions. But with his friends scattered and danger lurking, can Nick unlock the secrets before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
In this middle-grade science fiction adventure, Nick Slate must help stop a villainous group from controlling the world's energy by locating Nikola Tesla's powerful inventions. The story involves suspense, action, and themes of teamwork and bravery, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note that the book contains mild peril and some complex scientific concepts woven into the plot.
Why we rated Hawking's Hallway 10LP
Hawking's Hallway is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 840L across 361 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hawking's Hallway works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate Hawking's Hallway as 10LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Hawking's Hallway explores science & nature, adventure, friendship, 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 9781423148050
- Pages
- 361
- Publisher
- Disney-Hyperion
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 840L