What reading level is Out of darkness?

Out of darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez is at a Level 3-4 reading level (Lexile 660L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Out of darkness appropriate for?

Out of darkness is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags: Racial Discrimination, Violence, Sexual Violence, Historical Tragedy.

What genre is Out of darkness?

Out of darkness is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does Out of darkness have any content warnings?

Out of darkness has a HootRating of 8IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags include: Racial Discrimination, Violence, Sexual Violence, Historical Tragedy. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Out of darkness?

Out of darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez is 402 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Out of darkness

Ashley Hope Pérez

Out of darkness

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Ashley Hope Pérez

Reading Level 3-4 8IE Ages 5-8 Heads Up

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

The air smells smoky and thick as a loud explosion shakes the ground beneath Naomi and Wash. They live in a town where invisible lines separate people — lines they know they shouldn’t cross. But when friendship and courage meet, even the hardest walls can tremble with hope and heart.

Challenged Book

About & Banning Context

Ages 14+

Set in 1937 New London, Texas, this novel explores the intense and forbidden romance between Naomi Vargas, a Mexican American girl, and Wash Fuller, a Black boy. In a community deeply divided by racism, their relationship challenges the societal boundaries that dictate who can love whom. As they navigate their feelings amidst the harsh realities of segregation, the backdrop of a looming tragedy—the New London school explosion—adds urgency to their struggle. The story delves into themes of love, prejudice, and the impact of family, while also highlighting the historical context of marginalized voices. The author includes a note discussing her research and the importance of representing these narratives in literature.

Key Themes

racism forbidden love family tragedy historical context

Awards & Accolades (15)

● Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Master List, Long-listed, 2017 (2017)
● Virginia Readers' Choice Award Reading List Selection, Long-listed, 2017 (2017)
● Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2017 (2017)
● Notable Award Booklist’s 50 Best YA Books of All Time, Winner, 2017 (2017)
● Notable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2016 (2016)
● Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices, Winner, 2016 (2016)
● Tomás Rivera Book Award, Winner, 2016 (2016)
● Notable Award YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, Winner, 2016 (2016)
+ 7 more

Reviewed By

School Library Journal ★ Kirkus Reviews

Source: Unite Against Book Bans — Out of darkness

Themes

Race relationsFamily HistoricalForbidden LoveSocial Justice

Quick Assessment

Set in 1937 East Texas, this historical fiction novel explores the harsh realities of racial segregation through the story of Naomi and Wash, whose bond challenges the strict social divides of their community. The narrative incorporates the tragic New London school explosion, adding emotional depth and historical context. Intended for mature readers around ages 12 and up, parents should note the book addresses themes of racism, forbidden love, and violence with intensity.

Why we rated Out of darkness 8IE

Out of darkness is written at a Level 3-4 reading level with a Lexile measure of 660L across 402 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Out of darkness works for readers up to grade 5.5.

We rate Out of darkness as 8IE ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Racial Discrimination, Violence, Sexual Violence, Historical Tragedy.

Thematically, Out of darkness explores race relations, family, historical, forbidden love, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about race relations, family, historical.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 5-8 — 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.