The Diary
Allan Moore
The Diary
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Allan Moore
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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
When Ted stumbles upon Agnes's secret diary, he uncovers chilling truths that change everything he thought he knew. As the mystery deepens, he must decide how far he'll go to protect what matters most.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 3-4 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include fear & anxiety, mystery. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated The Diary 8ME
The Diary is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 30 pages (approximately 4,009 words). Strong independent readers around grade 4.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Diary works for readers up to grade 5.7.
Read aloud, The Diary takes about 27 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate The Diary as 8ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Mystery.
Thematically, The Diary explores mystery, friendship, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank
Mallory and the Mystery Diary
Ann M. Martin
Mallory and the Mystery Diary
Ann M. Martin
The stolen diary
Kate William
The stolen diary
Kate William
Secret Diaries of Adrian Mole
Sue Townsend
Secret Diaries of Adrian Mole
Sue Townsend
My Summer Diary
Inc. Editorial Staff of Scholastic
My Summer Diary
Inc. Editorial Staff of Scholastic
Diary of a Frantic Kid Sister
Hila Coleman
Diary of a Frantic Kid Sister
Hila Coleman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0822434644
- Pages
- 30
- Publisher
- Fearon Teacher Aids
- Published
- June 1984
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 4,009
- Read-Aloud
- ~27 min
- Text Density
- Light Text