Long Lankin
Lindsey Barraclough
Long Lankin
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lindsey Barraclough
The text is written at a 8th 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
Long Lankin is the darkest shadow lurking in the village—so dark it’s whispered about in fear. When Cora and Mimi arrive, the air thickens with secrets and danger that won’t let go. Can Cora protect her sister from the evil that’s been waiting for centuries? That’s the question no one dares to answer.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror story follows sisters Cora and Mimi as they navigate an eerie village haunted by a centuries-old evil. The book blends suspense and supernatural elements with themes of family and bravery, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12 who enjoy thrilling, atmospheric tales. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and dark themes typical of horror fiction.
Why we rated Long Lankin 12ME
Long Lankin is written at a Level 8 reading level across 480 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Long Lankin works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Long Lankin 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Long Lankin explores sisters, horror stories, family, mystery, and adventure — 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 sisters, horror stories, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780552563215
- Pages
- 480
- Publisher
- Random House
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction