Hunger
Michael Grant
Hunger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a Gone novel
by Michael Grant
Gone
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Trapped in a mysterious bubble with no adults and dwindling food, the kids must navigate a world where supernatural powers emerge and alliances crumble. As survival becomes desperate, a dark, ancient force stirs in the shadows, tempting and twisting the minds of the teens. Fear and chaos escalate, challenging who can be trusted when the hunger for power and survival takes over.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4 book with intense content intensity. Note: content intensity (Intense) exceeds what the reading level might suggest. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Hunger 9IE
Hunger is written at a Level 4 reading level across 614 pages (approximately 133,597 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hunger works for readers up to grade 6.0.
Read aloud, Hunger runs about 14.9 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Hunger as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Fear & Anxiety, Survival.
Thematically, Hunger explores supernatural, good and evil, survival, horror, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about supernatural, good and evil, survival.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9780061449062
- Pages
- 614
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 133,597
- Read-Aloud
- ~14h 51m
- Text Density
- Standard