Ra-D8
Alicia Miller Ennis
Ra-D8
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Halloween Hypothesis
by Alicia Miller Ennis
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Robby races through the dark streets, clutching his pillowcase stuffed with candy. Halloween night 1986 is his last chance for the biggest haul before junior high changes everything. But when strange shadows start to follow, Robby wonders—what if this Halloween holds more tricks than treats?
Quick Assessment
Set in 1986, this middle-grade adventure follows sixth-grader Robby Swain and his sister Nicki as they embark on a memorable Halloween night with friends. The story blends nostalgic childhood fun with a hint of mystery, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the story includes mild suspense and themes of friendship and growing up.
Why we rated Ra-D8 12LE
Ra-D8 is written at a Level 7 reading level across 314 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ra-D8 works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Ra-D8 as 12LE ("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, Ra-D8 explores adventure, friendship, coming of age, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781737010401
- Pages
- 314
- Publisher
- Princen Press
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction