The clones
Gloria Skurzynski
The clones
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gloria Skurzynski
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you discovered you're not who you thought you were, but a clone created in a secret lab? Imagine the questions swirling in your mind as you uncover the truth about your identity and the mysterious world of cloning. How far would you go to find out who you really are?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel explores themes of cloning and identity through an engaging story suitable for ages 9-12. It encourages readers to consider ethical questions around cloning and self-discovery in an accessible way. The book contains no intense content, making it appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated The clones 11LE
The clones is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The clones works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The clones as 11LE ("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 clones explores science & nature, adventure, identity & self-discovery, and fantasy world-building — 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 science & nature, adventure, identity & self-discovery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689842641
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction