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Short circuits

Donald R. Gallo

Cover of Short circuits

Short circuits

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Thirteen Shocking Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults

by Donald R. Gallo

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Horror TalesGhost StoriesAmericanEnglishFiction

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 — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

206 pages
ISBN
0385307853
Pages
206
Publisher
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Published
1992
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Horror Tales, AmericanHorror Tales, EnglishGhost Stories, AmericanGhost Stories, EnglishHorror StoriesGhostsShort StoriesAmerican Ghost StoriesAmerican Horror TalesEnglish Ghost StoriesGhosts in FictionEnglish Horror Tales