The coming storm
Alex Flynn
The coming storm
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Coming Storm
by Alex Flynn
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Sarah can control the weather just by feeling her emotions. But when she doesn’t get into Hero Academy, she realizes her powers might not be as special as she thought—and that could change everything. What if her true strength isn’t in the storm she commands, but in what she’s yet to discover?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows fifteen-year-old Sarah, who has the unique ability to control the weather through her emotions. Despite her powers, she struggles with feelings of rejection after not being accepted into Hero Academy, exploring themes of self-worth and perseverance. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story handles supernatural elements alongside typical middle school challenges in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.
Why we rated The coming storm 11LE
The coming storm is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The coming storm works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The coming storm 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 coming storm explores supernatural, ability, schools, coming of age, 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 supernatural, ability, schools.
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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Storm Breaker
Nisha J. Tuli
Storm Breaker
Nisha J. Tuli
Storm
D. J. MacHale
Storm
D. J. MacHale
Let the Storm Break
Shannon Messenger
Let the Storm Break
Shannon Messenger
The coming storm
Alex Flynn
The coming storm
Alex Flynn
The Storm Makers
Jennifer E. Smith
The Storm Makers
Jennifer E. Smith
Storm
Bonnie S. Calhoun
Storm
Bonnie S. Calhoun
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781940610412
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- Misshapes
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction