The dance of death
Andy Croft
The dance of death
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andy Croft
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
This book shows how two brothers become heroes during one of the scariest times in history. They face wild soldiers, strange beliefs, and hunger as they try to stay safe when the Black Death spreads everywhere. Their fight to survive proves how strong family can be, even when everything seems lost.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during the Black Death in medieval England, this historical fiction follows two brothers as they navigate dangers such as violence, starvation, and disease. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a vivid portrayal of a challenging period while emphasizing themes of family and resilience. Parents should be aware of mature themes like death and hardship presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated The dance of death 9ME
The dance of death is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 113 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The dance of death works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The dance of death as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, 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 dance of death explores historical, family, survival, and brotherhood — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, family, survival.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Dance of Death (Dark Hearts, No 3)
Daniel Parker
Dance of Death (Dark Hearts, No 3)
Daniel Parker
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
Brothers to the Death
Darren Shan
The dance
Christopher Pike
The dance
Christopher Pike
The Black Death
James Day (undifferentiated)
The Black Death
James Day (undifferentiated)
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781472913678
- Pages
- 113
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction