The Blackout Gang
Josh McCall
The Blackout Gang
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Josh McCall
The text is written at a 4th 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
What would you do if the whole city suddenly went dark? Three brainy friends find themselves trapped in the middle of a mysterious blackout in New York City. But when they uncover that a classmate is behind the chaos, their summer escape turns into a dangerous race against time.
Quick Assessment
This science fiction mystery follows three intelligent friends who escape an oppressive summer camp only to get caught in a citywide power outage caused by a classmate with sinister intentions. Suitable for readers aged 13-18, the story involves suspense and mild peril but remains appropriate for middle-grade to young adult audiences. Parents should note the presence of danger and themes of friendship and problem-solving.
Why we rated The Blackout Gang 9MP
The Blackout Gang is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Blackout Gang works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Blackout Gang as 9MP ("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 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, The Blackout Gang explores science & nature, mystery, friendship, and 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — 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
3/10A 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
- 9781595140500
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Razorbill
- Published
- July 6, 2006
- Type
- Fiction