Short circuits
Donald R. Gallo
Short circuits
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Thirteen Shocking Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults
by Donald R. Gallo
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The lights flicker as a chilling whisper sweeps through the empty hall. Shadows twist and turn, and suddenly, a door slams shut behind you. What secrets lurk in the dark, and will you escape the unseen terror?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Short Circuits is a collection of spooky horror and ghost stories by a variety of acclaimed authors. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book delivers thrilling tales that explore supernatural themes without graphic content, making it an engaging read for middle-grade horror fans. Parents should note the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful moments typical of ghost stories.
Why we rated Short circuits 11LE
Short circuits is written at a Level 6 reading level across 206 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Short circuits works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Short circuits as 11LE ("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, Short circuits explores horror tales, ghost stories, american, english, and 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 horror tales, ghost stories, american.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385307853
- Pages
- 206
- Publisher
- Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction