Hunger
Michael Grant
Hunger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Gone Novel
by Michael Grant
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
Here’s a secret: the grown-ups have disappeared, and the world as you know it ends at age fifteen. Strange powers are awakening in kids and even the animals, but that’s only the beginning. Deep underground, something far more dangerous is waiting, and it’s starving.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction adventure explores a post-apocalyptic world where children under fifteen must survive without adults. As hunger and fear grow, children and animals develop mysterious powers, adding layers of fantasy and suspense. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of survival and supernatural elements, with moderate tension and peril.
Why we rated Hunger 12ME
Hunger is written at a Level 8 reading level across 608 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hunger works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Hunger 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, physical peril, thematic difficulty — 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, Hunger explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, survival, and mystery — 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 adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
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
- 9780061449086
- Pages
- 608
- Publisher
- Katherine Tegen Books
- Published
- April 6, 2010
- Type
- Fiction