Heck

Dale E. Basye

Cover of Heck

Heck

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Dale E. Basye

Heck

Reading Level 6 Intense (Lvl 4) Ages 9-12 Heads Up Page-Turner

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

After a tragic accident, shy Milton and his rebellious sister Marlo find themselves trapped in a strange and spooky reform school called Heck. Together, they must navigate eerie challenges and uncover secrets to break free from this unsettling place. Their journey is filled with twists that blend humor and horror in a thrilling adventure.

Themes

Horror & Ghost StoriesHumorSibling RelationshipsAdventureSupernatural

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include abandonment, child abuse, body horror. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 4 — Intense
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Abandonment Child Abuse Body Horror Illness & Injury Claustrophobic Scene Blood/Gore Sad Ending Death of Parent Flashing Lights or Images
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

7/10

High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
8
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

304 pages
53,005 words
5h 53m read-aloud
ISBN
9780375840753
Pages
304
Publisher
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published
July 22, 2008
Type
Fiction
Word Count
53,005
Read-Aloud
~5h 53m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Horror & Ghost StoriesHumorous Stories