What reading level is Stone cold?

Stone cold by Pete Hautman is at a Level 6 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Stone cold appropriate for?

Stone cold is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11LN (Light — Neutral). Content flags: Gambling, Compulsive Behavior.

What genre is Stone cold?

Stone cold is fiction — Juvenile Nonfiction.

Does Stone cold have any content warnings?

Stone cold has a HootRating of 11LN (Light — Neutral). Content flags include: Gambling, Compulsive Behavior. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Stone cold?

Stone cold by Pete Hautman is 214 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Stone cold

Pete Hautman

Stone cold

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Pete Hautman

Reading Level 6 11LN 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 sharp click of poker chips echoes around the smoky room, mixing with the rustle of cards and whispered bets. Denn’s heart races as he dives deeper into the world of high-stakes poker, where every hand could change everything. But can he hold on to who he is before the game takes over his life?

Themes

GamblingCompulsive GamblersFriendship Family

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows sixteen-year-old Denn as he becomes consumed by high-stakes poker, leading to strained relationships with friends and family. The story explores themes of gambling and compulsive behavior in a way that’s suitable for readers aged 9-12, offering a thoughtful look at addiction and its impact. Parents should note the depiction of gambling but expect no graphic content.

Why we rated Stone cold 11LN

Stone cold is written at a Level 6 reading level across 214 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stone cold works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Stone cold as 11LN ("Light — Neutral") 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Gambling, Compulsive Behavior.

Thematically, Stone cold explores gambling, compulsive gamblers, friendship, and family — 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 gambling, compulsive gamblers, friendship.