The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9)
Judith Bauer Stamper
The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Judith Bauer Stamper
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: there's a magical world hidden inside the pages of a book, where brave heroes face mysterious powers. But unlocking its secrets is just the start of an incredible adventure that will change everything you thought you knew.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This study guide supports early readers aged 5-8 with activities and discussions centered around 'The Dark Is Rising,' a classic fantasy story. It includes vocabulary builders, comprehension questions, and reproducible classroom activities designed to enhance understanding and engagement. The guide is appropriate for young readers and focuses on developing literary skills through fantasy themes.
Why we rated The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9) 7C
The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9) as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The Dark Is Rising (Scholastic Book Guides, Grades 6-9) explores children's books, fantasy & magic, science fiction & fantasy, literary study, and early reading — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about children's books, fantasy & magic, science fiction & fantasy.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780439572514
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction