What reading level is Island of Graves?

Island of Graves by Lisa McMann is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 770L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Island of Graves appropriate for?

Island of Graves is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is Island of Graves?

Island of Graves is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Island of Graves have any content warnings?

Island of Graves has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Island of Graves?

Island of Graves by Lisa McMann is 514 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Island of Graves

Lisa McMann

Island of Graves

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Unwanteds #6

by Lisa McMann

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Imagine holding a secret so big it could change everything you believe about your world. Alex and Aaron are twins caught in a battle where magic and loyalty clash, and Alex has made a choice that could tear them apart forever. But that’s only the beginning.

Themes

TwinsMagicFamily Adventure Fantasy World-Building

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy novel follows twins Alex and Aaron as they navigate a magical world on the brink of war. Themes of loyalty, family conflict, and bravery are explored within an engaging story suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of magical battles and some intense moments, but overall it offers a thrilling and imaginative adventure.

Why we rated Island of Graves 9ME

Island of Graves is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 770L across 514 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Island of Graves works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Island of Graves as 9ME ("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 — 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, Island of Graves explores twins, magic, family, adventure, and fantasy world-building — 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 twins, magic, 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.