Snow crash

Neal Stephenson

Cover of Snow crash

Snow crash

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Neal Stephenson

Reading Level 6-7 11IP Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

Hiro isn't your average pizza delivery guy—he defends his pies with samurai swords and rules the Metaverse with his legendary avatar. But when a mysterious new drug called Snow Crash starts turning hackers into lifeless shadows, Hiro and a fearless skateboard courier named Y.T. dive into a mind-bending adventure that stretches back to the dawn of language itself. What they discover could change the world forever.

Quick Assessment

Set in a futuristic Los Angeles, this novel follows Hiro, a skilled hacker and pizza delivery guy, and Y.T., a daring skateboard courier, as they uncover the dangerous effects of a new drug called Snow Crash. The story explores complex themes including technology, language, and virtual reality, suitable for mature teens due to some intense action scenes and sophisticated concepts. Parents should note the book contains fantasy violence and advanced vocabulary reflecting its young adult audience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11IP — Intense — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Intense
Social
Light
Thematic
Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Fantasy Violence
Data confidence: high

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

440 pages
ISBN
9780553380958
Pages
440
Publisher
Del Rey
Published
2000
Type
Fiction
Lexile
970L

Genres

Subjects

American Science FictionOpen Library Staff PicksReady Player OneScience FictionSuspenseOpen_syllabus_projectAmerican FictionVirtual RealityHackersComputer VirusesCyberpunk CultureCyberspaceSumerian MythologyLong Now Manual for Civilization

People

Hiro ProtagonistY.T.Da5id MeierJuanita MarquezDr. Emanuel LagosUncle EnzoL. Bob RifeDmitri "Raven" Ravinoff

Places

Future America