More bones
Arielle North Olson
More bones
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Scary Stories from Around the World
by Arielle North Olson
Illustrated by Gist, E. M., illustrator
The text is written at a 4th 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 cold whisper of ancient bones crunches beneath your feet, and shadows twist in the flickering candlelight. Imagine a school where one student vanishes forever, or a maiden whose fiery hair hides slithering serpents. These tales from faraway lands will send shivers down your spine—and stir a thrilling chill inside your heart.
Themes
Quick Assessment
More Bones is a collection of folklore and horror tales suited for middle grade readers aged 9-12. The stories explore spooky themes drawn from diverse cultures, offering a mix of eerie adventures and moral lessons. While the book features scary elements, the content remains age-appropriate without graphic violence or intense emotional distress.
Why we rated More bones 9LE
More bones is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 162 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, More bones works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate More bones as 9LE ("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, More bones explores folklore, horror tales, adventure, 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 folklore, horror tales, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545203913
- Pages
- 162
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Nonfiction