Night Shift
Stephen King
Night Shift
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stephen King
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Dive into a chilling collection of eerie stories where strange events and shadowy secrets come to life, keeping readers on the edge with every twist. Each tale explores the darker corners of imagination, perfect for those who love a good scare. Prepare for a journey through unsettling worlds that reveal the unexpected lurking in the night.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include fantasy violence, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Night Shift 10IE
Night Shift is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 336 pages (approximately 120,963 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Night Shift works for readers up to grade 7.2.
Read aloud, Night Shift runs about 13.4 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Night Shift as 10IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. 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: Fantasy Violence, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Night Shift weaves together horror tales and american.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about horror tales, american.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0385129912
- Pages
- 336
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 120,963
- Read-Aloud
- ~13h 26m
- Text Density
- Very Dense