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The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror

Guy de Maupassant

Cover of The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror

The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Guy de Maupassant

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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

A chilling wind whispers through the cracked window as footsteps echo down the empty hallway. Shadows twist and turn, hiding secrets that make your skin crawl. Can you face the eerie tales that lurk in the dark corners of the mind?

Themes

HorrorPsychological SuspenseClassic LiteratureFrench LiteratureTranslations

Quick Assessment

This collection features translated horror stories by Guy de Maupassant, adapted for middle-grade readers around ages 9-12. The tales explore eerie and suspenseful themes that may evoke fear and curiosity, suitable for children ready to handle spooky fiction. Parents should note the classic horror elements, which involve unsettling atmospheres and psychological tension rather than graphic content.

Why we rated The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror 9LE

The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 170 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror as 9LE ("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 diary of a madman, and other tales of horror explores horror, psychological suspense, classic literature, french literature, and translations — 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 horror, psychological suspense, classic literature.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

170 pages
ISBN
0330248499
Pages
170
Publisher
Pan
Published
1976
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Maupassant, Guy De, 1850-1893Translations Into EnglishHorror Tales, FrenchFrench Horror Tales

People

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)