The Devil Came to St. Louis
Troy Taylor
The Devil Came to St. Louis
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Troy Taylor
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The most famous exorcism in American history didn’t just happen—it left a mystery that still haunts St. Louis. Dive into a chilling investigation where truth and legend collide, and decide for yourself if Robbie Doe was really possessed. This story will change the way you think about the unknown—and why it matters today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the legendary 1949 exorcism in St. Louis, blending historical research with supernatural mystery. Suitable for ages 9-12, it delves into themes of the unexplained and self-discovery, with some scary moments that may be intense for sensitive readers. Parents should note the book includes discussions of possession and paranormal events but no graphic content.
Why we rated The Devil Came to St. Louis 9MP
The Devil Came to St. Louis is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 172 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Devil Came to St. Louis works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Devil Came to St. Louis as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The Devil Came to St. Louis explores mystery, history, self-help, and supernatural — 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, history, self-help.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" 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
Exorcism
Olga Gruhzit-Hoyt
Exorcism
Olga Gruhzit-Hoyt
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty
Devils and Demons
Eric Maple
Devils and Demons
Eric Maple
Devilish
Maureen Johnson
Devilish
Maureen Johnson
The Devil's storybook
Natalie Babbitt
The Devil's storybook
Natalie Babbitt
The devil's door
Thompson, Paul B.
The devil's door
Thompson, Paul B.
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781892523464
- Pages
- 172
- Publisher
- Whitechapel Productions
- Published
- June 29, 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction