Rescue
Balak
Rescue
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Balak
The text is written at a 6th 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
Richard Aldana isn’t just a boxer—he’s the only one standing between a lurking villain and the people he loves. When a friend returns as a monstrous enemy and an old flame faces a terrifying fate, Richard’s fight becomes more than a match—it’s a rescue that could change everything. What happens when the shadows don’t just hide danger, but bring it right into the light?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Richard Aldana, a boxer who confronts both physical and emotional challenges when a former friend turns into a threatening enemy and someone he cares about faces grave danger. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage, with some intense moments of conflict and suspense. Parents should be aware of mild peril and fantasy violence elements as part of the storyline.
Why we rated Rescue 11ME
Rescue is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rescue works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Rescue as 11ME ("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, Rescue explores friendship, adventure, fantasy world-building, and sports — 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 friendship, adventure, 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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
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
- 9781484498217
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Roaring Brook Press
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction