SURFACING
Andrew, Scott Turner
SURFACING
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew, Scott Turner
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
She's fighting the crushing waves, lungs burning as darkness creeps in around her. Her arms claw frantically, but the water pulls harder, dragging her down. Will she find the strength to surface before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This young adult adventure novel follows a tense and gripping survival story centered on a protagonist caught in perilous water. Suitable for teens aged 13 to 18, it contains scenes of suspense and mild peril that highlight courage and resilience. Parents should be aware of intense moments involving fear and physical danger.
Why we rated SURFACING 12MP
SURFACING is written at a Level 8 reading level across 404 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, SURFACING works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate SURFACING as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") 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, SURFACING explores adventure, survival, and action & adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, survival, action & adventure.
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
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781601452924
- Pages
- 404
- Publisher
- Booklocker.Com Incorporated
- Published
- August 13, 2007
- Type
- Fiction