The Calling
Cate Tiernan
The Calling
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Book Seven (Sweep)
by Cate Tiernan
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of rain mixes with the city's restless hum as Morgan's heart races with secrets and surprises. She’s just uncovered where she truly comes from and is drawn into a mysterious journey with Hunter, whose family holds unexpected betrayals. Together with friends, they step into New York’s shadows, facing dangers that will test everything they thought they knew.
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows Morgan as she uncovers her mysterious heritage and navigates complex relationships, including a romance with Hunter, connected to a painful family betrayal. The story introduces themes of fantasy and adventure as Morgan and her friends face unforeseen dangers in New York City. Recommended for readers aged 13-18, it contains mild fantasy peril appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The Calling 9LE
The Calling 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 Calling works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Calling as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The Calling explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, romance, and coming of age — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9780142410226
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- February 28, 2008
- Type
- Fiction