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Strange doings

R. A. Lafferty

Cover of Strange doings

Strange doings

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by R. A. Lafferty

Reading Level 6 11LP 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

What if the ordinary world suddenly twisted into something unexplainable? Imagine strange happenings unfolding around you, where nothing is quite what it seems and every answer leads to more questions. Can you unravel the mystery before it's too late?

Themes

Science FictionAdventureMystery

Quick Assessment

Strange Doings by R. A. Lafferty is a science fiction story aimed at middle-grade readers aged 9 to 12. It explores unusual and mysterious events through engaging storytelling that encourages curiosity and imagination. Parents should know it contains some complex ideas but is appropriate for this age group with no intense content.

Why we rated Strange doings 11LP

Strange doings is written at a Level 6 reading level across 276 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Strange doings works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Strange doings as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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: Mild Peril.

Thematically, Strange doings explores science fiction, adventure, and mystery — 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about science fiction, adventure, mystery.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

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
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

276 pages
ISBN
0684125307
Pages
276
Publisher
Scribner
Published
1972
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Science Fiction, AmericanAmerican Science FictionScience Fiction