Random
Tom Leveen
Random
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tom Leveen
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The sharp ring of a phone breaks the silence late at night, carrying a voice filled with despair. Sixteen-year-old Tori hears a stranger on the edge, and every second ticks louder as she tries to reach through the darkness. Can one call change everything before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores heavy themes including suicide and family challenges as a teenage girl faces a pivotal moment in her life. It features sensitive content appropriate for readers aged 9-12 but may require parental guidance due to its emotional and serious subject matter. The story highlights the impact of difficult family dynamics and the struggles of adolescence.
Why we rated Random 11IE
Random is written at a Level 6 reading level across 217 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Random works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Random as 11IE ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide.
Thematically, Random explores family, suicide, popularity, and juvenile fiction — 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 family, suicide, popularity.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781442499560
- Pages
- 217
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction