Mind-call
Wilanne Schneider Belden
Mind-call
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Wilanne Schneider Belden
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp crack of breaking glass fills the air as the ground trembles beneath your feet. Suddenly, you see flashes of the future — but can you change what’s coming? When danger lurks close, every decision feels like a race against time and trust.
Quick Assessment
Set after a powerful earthquake, this middle-grade science fiction novel follows gifted children with precognitive abilities as they navigate threats from dangerous relatives. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of extrasensory perception and family tension, with mild peril and suspense. Parents should note the presence of intense family conflict and moments of danger but no graphic content.
Why we rated Mind-call 11ME
Mind-call is written at a Level 6 reading level across 246 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mind-call works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Mind-call as 11ME ("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, Mind-call explores science & nature, adventure, family, 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 science & nature, adventure, 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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Children of the mind
Orson Scott Card
Children of the mind
Orson Scott Card
Mind Trap
G. Clifton Wisler
Mind Trap
G. Clifton Wisler
Mind games
Kiersten White
Mind games
Kiersten White
Minder
Kate Kaynak
Minder
Kate Kaynak
Mind over Caste
J. B. Spring
Mind over Caste
J. B. Spring
Clarion Call
Cayla Fay
Clarion Call
Cayla Fay
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689307969
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction