Rains
Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Rains
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
The text is written at a 7th 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
Chance Rain and his brother Patrick are running through the streets of Creek's Cause, but the adults are no longer the people they used to be—they're wild and dangerous. Every corner hides a new threat, and Patrick's eighteenth birthday is just days away, which could mean disaster. Can they find a way to stop the terrifying change before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade thriller follows Chance and Patrick as they navigate a community turned hostile by a mysterious parasite that transforms adults into dangerous creatures upon turning eighteen. The story contains suspenseful scenes of survival and mild fantasy violence, making it suitable for ages 9-12 with parental guidance recommended for its intense moments. Themes of family, courage, and survival are explored in a fast-paced narrative.
Why we rated Rains 12ME
Rains is written at a Level 7 reading level across 352 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rains works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Rains 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 — 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, Rains explores survival, family, adventure, fantasy, and cities and towns — 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 survival, family, adventure.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781466888517
- Pages
- 352
- Publisher
- Tor Teen
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction