The field
Tracy Richardson
The field
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tracy Richardson
The text is written at a 6th 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.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of a soccer ball echoes through the cool night air, but Eric’s dreams are filled with fire and distant screams that won’t let him rest. By day, he’s a soccer star, sensing danger before it arrives, but by night, his mind races with shadows he can’t explain. When strange experiments pull him deeper into a world beyond reality, Eric must find courage inside to face fears bigger than any game.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade paranormal fiction follows Eric, a high school goalkeeper haunted by vivid nightmares and extraordinary abilities. The story explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and coping with challenges such as a friend’s substance use and shifting relationships. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains mild supernatural elements and addresses emotional growth in a relatable way.
Why we rated The field 11ME
The field is written at a Level 6 reading level across 234 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The field works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The field as 11ME ("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: Nightmares, Substance Use.
Thematically, The field explores paranormal fiction, friendship, coming of age, sports, and self-discovery — 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 paranormal fiction, 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781935462842
- Pages
- 234
- Publisher
- Luminis Books, Incorporated
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction