The Death of Mr. Baltisberger
Bohumil Hrabal
The Death of Mr. Baltisberger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bohumil Hrabal
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.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of old paper and fading ink fills the air as a quiet town holds its breath. A mysterious silence follows the sudden passing of Mr. Baltisberger, leaving behind whispers and unanswered questions. What secrets will surface when the everyday stillness is shattered?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of mystery and loss through the story of Mr. Baltisberger's death in a small town. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles emotional topics with subtlety and invites young readers to reflect on change and the unknown. The language and narrative are accessible for grade 6 reading level readers.
Why we rated The Death of Mr. Baltisberger 11LE
The Death of Mr. Baltisberger is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Death of Mr. Baltisberger works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Death of Mr. Baltisberger 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 Death of Mr. Baltisberger explores mystery, family, loss & grief, and coming of age — 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 mystery, family, loss & grief.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385006926
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Doubleday
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction