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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Death of a son
Ivan Vladislavić
Death of a son
Ivan Vladislavić
Death
Patricia J. Murphy
Death
Patricia J. Murphy
An unexplained death
Mikita Brottman
An unexplained death
Mikita Brottman
Death Drop
B.M. Gill
Death Drop
B.M. Gill
Cemetery Boys
Z Brewer
Cemetery Boys
Z Brewer
The death of Bragg
Janet Langmuir
The death of Bragg
Janet Langmuir
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385006926
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Doubleday
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction