Shadow run
AdriAnne Strickland
Shadow run
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by AdriAnne Strickland
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
The sharp crackle of the radio breaks the silent night as a shadow darts across the desert sands. Dust swirls in the cool air, carrying whispers of secrets and danger. Deep down, a fierce hope pulses—can one boy’s courage change the fate of a kingdom?
Quick Assessment
Shadow Run is a middle-grade science fiction adventure that follows a young prince navigating peril and family challenges in a richly imagined world. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, it combines thrilling action with themes of bravery and loyalty. Parents should note the story’s adventurous tone and mild peril typical of the genre.
Why we rated Shadow run 12LE
Shadow run is written at a Level 7 reading level across 390 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shadow run works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Shadow run 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, Shadow run explores science & nature, adventure, family, and fantasy world-building — 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 science & nature, adventure, family.
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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
2/10A 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
- 9780399552533
- Pages
- 390
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction