Out of this world
Charles De Lint
Out of this world
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Wildlings Book Three
by Charles De Lint
The text is written at a 8th 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 scent of pine fills the air as Josh steps into the Otherworld, a place where shadows shift and animal clans watch with wary eyes. Every sound echoes with mystery, and the air buzzes with the power Josh didn’t know he had. But danger lurks close—both there and back home—and only the strength of friendship can guide them through.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Josh as he navigates a magical Otherworld to save his former girlfriend, while his friends face real-world challenges including a hostile anti-Wildling rally. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity amid supernatural adventures and social tension. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and emotional complexity related to adolescent relationships and social prejudice.
Why we rated Out of this world 12ME
Out of this world is written at a Level 8 reading level across 446 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Out of this world works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Out of this world as 12ME ("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, social complexity — 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, Out of this world explores friendship, coming of age, fantasy world-building, adventure, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, fantasy world-building.
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
12ME — 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780670065356
- Pages
- 446
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction