Indigo
G. J. Linko
Indigo
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by G. J. Linko
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Corrine can see the glowing energy inside people, a power no one else has. But when her sister dies, she wonders if her gift is a curse. Then Rennick arrives with a daring idea—that this strange sixth sense might be something she can learn to control, but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Corrine, a teenager grappling with a mysterious ability to perceive people's physio-electricity, which she fears caused her sister's death. The story explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and coping with loss, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of emotional intensity surrounding family loss and supernatural elements.
Why we rated Indigo 11ME
Indigo is written at a Level 6 reading level across 293 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Indigo works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Indigo as 11ME ("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, 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, Indigo explores friendship, coming of age, family, fantasy world-building, and romance — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The indigo king
James A. Owen
The indigo king
James A. Owen
Indigo
Alice Hoffman
Indigo
Alice Hoffman
Indigo
Alice Hoffman
Indigo
Alice Hoffman
Indigo adults
Kabir Jaffe
Indigo adults
Kabir Jaffe
Indigo Blue
Cathy Cassidy
Indigo Blue
Cathy Cassidy
Indigo King
James A. Owen
Indigo King
James A. Owen
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780449812839
- Pages
- 293
- Publisher
- Random House Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction