The astonishing color of after
Emily X. R. Pan
The astonishing color of after
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Emily X. R. Pan
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens when someone you love disappears in a way you can't understand? Leigh believes her mom has turned into a bird, soaring far away. But can she find her mom again in a place filled with secrets and memories?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This heartfelt middle-grade novel explores themes of grief, family, and identity as Leigh, a biracial girl, travels to Taiwan after her mother's suicide. It sensitively portrays complex emotions and cultural discovery, suitable for readers aged 9-12 who can handle mature topics like loss and mental health. Parents should note the book’s candid approach to suicide and emotional struggles, balanced with hope and healing.
Why we rated The astonishing color of after 12IE
The astonishing color of after is written at a Level 8 reading level across 472 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The astonishing color of after works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The astonishing color of after as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide, Grief.
Thematically, The astonishing color of after explores family, grief, racially mixed people, art, and friendship — 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 family, grief, racially mixed people.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780316463997
- Pages
- 472
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction