The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror
Guy de Maupassant
The diary of a madman, and other tales of horror
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Guy de Maupassant
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
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 — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0330248499
- Pages
- 170
- Publisher
- Pan
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction