Last descendants
Matthew J. Kirby
Last descendants
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Matthew J. Kirby
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here’s a secret: Owen can dive into the memories hidden inside his own DNA using a mysterious device called the Animus. But when he tries to clear his dad’s name, he stumbles upon a powerful relic that two shadowy groups will stop at nothing to get. And that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Last Descendants is a middle-grade fiction novel following Owen, who uses a device called the Animus to explore genetic memories and uncover hidden truths about his family. The story involves secret societies and thrilling adventures around an ancient relic, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note themes of memory exploration and suspenseful conflict, but the content is appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Last descendants 12LE
Last descendants is written at a Level 7 reading level across 308 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last descendants works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Last descendants as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Last descendants explores adventure, mystery, family, and secret societies — 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, mystery, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780545855518
- Pages
- 308
- Publisher
- Scholastic Incorporated
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction