Power
Joe Craig
Power
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joe Craig
The text is written at a 4th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you discovered a secret so big it could change everything? Imagine your country is under attack, your body is poisoned, and you have to use secret assassin skills to survive. But what happens if using your power means you might become the very thing you’re fighting against?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Jimmy, a genetically altered boy caught in a dangerous web of government secrets and betrayal. The story contains themes of espionage, moral dilemmas, and the struggle between good and evil, suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy thrilling and thought-provoking fiction. Parents should note some intense moments involving danger and ethical challenges.
Why we rated Power 9ME
Power is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 181 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Power works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Power as 9ME ("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, thematic difficulty — 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, Power explores adventure, coming of age, moral complexity, and science & nature — 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, coming of age, moral complexity.
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
9ME — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Powerless
Tera Lynn Childs
Powerless
Tera Lynn Childs
Powerless
Lauren Roberts
Powerless
Lauren Roberts
Rip Power
Anthony Collins
Rip Power
Anthony Collins
Power Play
Beth McMullen
Power Play
Beth McMullen
Powers
Ursula K. Le Guin
Powers
Ursula K. Le Guin
Power Basics
Taggart
Power Basics
Taggart
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781497641891
- Pages
- 181
- Publisher
- Open Road Media
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction