What reading level is The dark-thirty?

The dark-thirty by Patricia McKissack is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The dark-thirty appropriate for?

The dark-thirty is recommended for Ages 9-12. Content intensity: "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags: Fear & Anxiety, Ghosts, Historical.

What genre is The dark-thirty?

The dark-thirty is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The dark-thirty have any content warnings?

The dark-thirty has a content intensity rating of "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags include: Fear & Anxiety, Ghosts, Historical. On HootRated, every book is rated for emotional, physical, and social content themes to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The dark-thirty?

The dark-thirty by Patricia McKissack is 122 pages (approximately 29,227 words).

The dark-thirty

Patricia McKissack

The dark-thirty

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Southern Tales of the Supernatural

by Patricia McKissack

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

Newbery Honor

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.

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About This Book

Step into a world of chilling tales where history and mystery meet in the eerie moments before nightfall. These ten gripping stories explore African American heritage through spooky and suspenseful adventures that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Perfect for those who love ghostly legends and thrilling twists.

Themes

Ghost storiesAfrican American HistoryHorror talesMystery

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include fear & anxiety, ghosts, historical. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate

Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Fear & Anxiety Ghosts Historical

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Narrative Pace

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

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Details

Book Length

122 pages

29,227 words

3h 15m read-aloud

ISBN: 0679818634
Pages: 122
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 1992
Type: Fiction
Word Count: 29,227
Read-Aloud: ~3h 15m
Text Density: Standard

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Ghost Stories, AmericanHorror Tales, AmericanAfrican AmericansChildren's Stories, AmericanGhostsHorror StoriesShort StoriesAmerican Ghost StoriesAmerican Horror TalesGhost StoriesHorror FictionNewbery HonorHorror TalesHorrorBlacks