The faces of fear

Monica Hughes

Cover of The faces of fear

The faces of fear

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Monica Hughes

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Joan, adjusting to life in a wheelchair after an accident, finds escape in a thrilling virtual reality game where her avatar, Joanna, embodies everything she wishes to be—strong, fearless, and free. As the game blurs the line between fantasy and reality, Joan and her friend Steve must face their deepest fears to find their way back to safety. This powerful tale explores courage, self-acceptance, and the challenges of overcoming personal limitations.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include physical danger, fear & anxiety, disability representation. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Physical Danger Fear & Anxiety Disability Representation Identity & Self-Discovery
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
10
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

197 pages
44,329 words
4h 56m read-aloud
ISBN
0006481604
Pages
197
Publisher
HarperTrophy
Published
1998
Type
Fiction
Word Count
44,329
Read-Aloud
~4h 56m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Virtual RealityFearChildren With DisabilitiesSelf-perceptionRéalité VirtuelleRomans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunessePeurEnfants HandicapésPerception De Soi