What reading level is Kate Walden directs?

Kate Walden directs by Julie Mata is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 710L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Kate Walden directs appropriate for?

Kate Walden directs is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, Friendship, Fantasy Violence.

What genre is Kate Walden directs?

Kate Walden directs is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Kate Walden directs have any content warnings?

Kate Walden directs has a HootRating of 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Friendship, Fantasy Violence. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Kate Walden directs?

Kate Walden directs by Julie Mata is 277 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Kate Walden directs

Julie Mata

Kate Walden directs

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Night of the Zombie Chickens

by Julie Mata

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Have you ever dreamed of making the perfect movie? Kate Walden’s big chance is here, but her star actress suddenly turns into a real-life zombie! How will Kate handle being friendless and without a lead—will her clever plan save the day or backfire in a big way?

Themes

Friendship AdventureMotion picturesComing of AgeJunior high schoolsProduction and direction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction follows Kate Walden as she navigates the challenges of directing her breakout film, only to face unexpected friendship struggles when her star actress behaves strangely. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of friendship, creativity, and problem-solving with light fantasy elements. Parents should know there is mild fantasy transformation and some conflict around friendship dynamics.

Why we rated Kate Walden directs 9LP

Kate Walden directs is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 277 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kate Walden directs works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Kate Walden directs as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Friendship, Fantasy Violence.

Thematically, Kate Walden directs explores friendship, adventure, motion pictures, coming of age, and junior high schools — 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 friendship, adventure, motion pictures.

Maybe not for

! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.