The border
Steve Schafer
The border
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Steve Schafer
The text is written at a 7th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if a fun night with friends suddenly turns into a desperate race for survival? Four teens find themselves running from danger in the vast, unforgiving desert with no safe place to hide. Every step could bring them closer to safety—or to the people who want to catch them.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows four teenagers caught in a dangerous situation after witnessing a violent crime tied to gangs and drug cartels. Set against the backdrop of the Mexican desert and border crossing, the story explores themes of survival, family loss, and the risks of illegal migration. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains intense moments of peril and violence that parents should consider.
Why we rated The border 12IE
The border is written at a Level 7 reading level across 351 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The border works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The border 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, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Danger, Gang Activity.
Thematically, The border explores survival, adventure, family, gangs, and voyages and travels — 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 survival, adventure, family.
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 who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Crossing the wire
Will Hobbs
Crossing the wire
Will Hobbs
The Border Bandit
Frederick Faust
The Border Bandit
Frederick Faust
Death at the Border
Clayton Matthews
Death at the Border
Clayton Matthews
Borderless
Jennifer De Leon
Borderless
Jennifer De Leon
Border Boys Across the Frontier
John Henry Goldfrap
Border Boys Across the Frontier
John Henry Goldfrap
Borderline
Allan Stratton
Borderline
Allan Stratton
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781492646839
- Pages
- 351
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks Fire
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction