Names We Take
Trace Kerr
Names We Take
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Trace Kerr
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.
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About This Book
The sharp crackle of dry leaves crunches beneath tired feet as Pip and Iris step cautiously through the ruins of Spokane. The air smells of smoke and forgotten memories, as danger lurks in every shadow. Together, they must hold on to hope and each other in a world that’s been shattered, but that’s only the beginning of their journey.
Quick Assessment
Set in a post-apocalyptic Spokane, this middle-grade novel follows seventeen-year-old Pip and her young ward Iris as they navigate a dangerous, changed world after a devastating plague. The story explores themes of survival, identity, and friendship amidst threats from gangs and slave traders. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains moderate peril and emotional challenges but handles them thoughtfully.
Why we rated Names We Take 11ME
Names We Take is written at a Level 6 reading level across 242 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Names We Take works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Names We Take 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Names We Take explores friendship, survival, and coming of age — 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 friendship, survival, coming of age.
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.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781947845169
- Pages
- 242
- Publisher
- Ooligan Press
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction