Stones
William Bell
Stones
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by William Bell
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The air buzzes with whispers from the past, like footsteps echoing on ancient stone. Garnet feels the chill of history brush against his skin as a new girl arrives at school, sparking hope and mystery. But shadows from long ago stir, and Garnet's world shifts in ways he never imagined.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Garnet, a high school boy who encounters both a mysterious new student and the ghostly presence of a girl from over 150 years ago. As he learns about the history of his town's Black community, he uncovers difficult truths about prejudice and persecution. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of history, identity, and social justice with some supernatural elements and mild violence.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 038565829X
- Pages
- 210
- Publisher
- Doubleday Canada
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction