Neptune's tears
Susan Waggoner
Neptune's tears
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Neptune's Tears
by Susan Waggoner
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Zee McAdams races through the bustling halls of a futuristic London hospital, her empathic powers pulsing with every patient’s pain. Suddenly, a mysterious young man arrives—his alien presence sending shivers down her spine. As Zee reaches out to heal him, secrets unravel that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in the year 2218, this middle-grade novel follows Zee McAdams, a young empath working in a busy London hospital. When she encounters an alien patient, the story explores themes of trust, empathy, and acceptance amidst futuristic adventure. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild sci-fi tension but no graphic content.
Why we rated Neptune's tears 11LE
Neptune's tears is written at a Level 6 reading level across 219 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Neptune's tears works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Neptune's tears 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, Neptune's tears explores adventure, empathy, psychic ability, extraterrestrial beings, and friendship — 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 adventure, empathy, psychic ability.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Of Neptune
Anna Banks
Of Neptune
Anna Banks
Zoe’s Tale
John Scalzi
Zoe’s Tale
John Scalzi
The Neptune Project
Polly Holyoke
The Neptune Project
Polly Holyoke
Neptune
Derek Zobel
Neptune
Derek Zobel
Neptune
Czeena Devera
Neptune
Czeena Devera
Neptune
Ariel Kazunas
Neptune
Ariel Kazunas
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780805096774
- Pages
- 219
- Publisher
- Piccadilly Books
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction