Missing.
Gakuto Kōda
Missing.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gakuto Kōda
The text is written at a 6th 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
The chill of the night air carries whispers that no one else can hear. Kyoichi, wrapped in his mysterious black clothes, senses something strange when he meets a girl who seems to bridge two worlds. Suddenly, the line between the living and the lost begins to blur, stirring feelings he can’t explain.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Kyoichi, a high school student known for his dark clothing and interest in the occult, who encounters a girl connected to the spirit world. The story explores themes of missing persons and supernatural elements, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of ghostly themes and emotional moments related to loss and otherworldly mysteries.
Why we rated Missing. 11LE
Missing. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 226 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Missing. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Missing. as 11LE ("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, Missing. explores missing persons, spirits, fantasy, coming of age, and mystery — 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 missing persons, spirits, fantasy.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9781427800329
- Pages
- 226
- Publisher
- TokyoPop
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction