Strange and ever after
Susan Dennard
Strange and ever after
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Dennard
The text is written at a 7th 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
What if the city you thought was just history suddenly came alive with magic and danger? Eleanor must race through the scorching streets of ancient Egypt, chasing after her missing friend while facing rising dead creatures and powerful enemies. Can she master her black magic and protect those she loves, or will the dark forces win?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Eleanor as she navigates a magical and perilous version of nineteenth-century Egypt to rescue her missing friend from a dangerous necromancer. The story blends supernatural elements, romance, and historical settings, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy adventurous and slightly spooky tales. Parents should note the presence of magic, mild horror themes, and complex emotional relationships.
Why we rated Strange and ever after 12ME
Strange and ever after is written at a Level 7 reading level across 392 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Strange and ever after works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Strange and ever after as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Strange and ever after explores magic, adventure, romance, horror stories, and historical — 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 magic, adventure, romance.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062083326
- Pages
- 392
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction