Last seen leaving
Caleb Roehrig
Last seen leaving
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Caleb Roehrig
The text is written at a 7th 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
What if your best friend disappeared without a trace and everyone thought you were hiding something? Imagine unraveling secrets that not only could explain where she went but also reveal who you really are. Can Flynn find the truth before suspicion turns against him?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Flynn as he tries to solve the mystery of his missing girlfriend while confronting his own identity. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of secrecy, self-discovery, and LGBTQ+ representation with sensitivity. Parents should be aware of the book's focus on missing persons and emotional challenges but will find it appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Last seen leaving 12ME
Last seen leaving is written at a Level 7 reading level across 328 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last seen leaving works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Last seen leaving 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, 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, Last seen leaving explores lgbtq+ representation, friendship, mystery, secrets, and identity & self-discovery — 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 lgbtq+ representation, friendship, mystery.
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
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
2/10A 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
- 9781250085634
- Pages
- 328
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction