Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The darkest dark
Chris Hadfield
The darkest dark
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Chris Hadfield
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.
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About This Book
Did you know the bravest astronaut was once afraid of the dark? Imagine being scared at night, but then discovering that the darkest dark can be full of wonder and adventure. That’s exactly what happens when Chris watches the moon landing and realizes his fears can’t stop his dreams!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated story is inspired by astronaut Chris Hadfield's childhood and explores themes of fear and courage in a gentle way. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, it encourages children to overcome nighttime fears by embracing imagination and big dreams. The book combines elements of science and emotion, making it a thoughtful bedtime read.
Why we rated The darkest dark C (Gentle)
The darkest dark is written at a Level 3 reading level across 44 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 4 and up can manage The darkest dark on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate The darkest dark as C (Gentle) 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 darkest dark explores emotions & feelings, science & technology, bedtime & dreams, and family — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about emotions & feelings, science & technology, bedtime & dreams.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
C · GentleReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316394727
- Pages
- 44
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction