Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The first last day
Dorian Cirrone
The first last day
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dorian Cirrone
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. Its HootRating code, LP, means mild content, mostly physical.
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About This Book
When eleven-year-old Haleigh and her best friend Kevin discover a magical set of paints, they unlock a puzzling time loop that challenges their courage and friendship. Together, they embark on an exciting adventure to uncover hidden secrets before time runs out. Their journey blends mystery and magic in a race against the clock.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The first last day LP (Mild)
The first last day is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 232 pages (approximately 36,199 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 5 and up can manage The first last day on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, The first last day runs about 4 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The first last day as LP (Mild, mostly physical) 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, The first last day explores friendship, mystery, magic, time, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, mystery, magic.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
LP · Mild · PhysicalReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10Fewer of the usual hooks for reluctant readers, such as a long series, humor or adventure.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481458139
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 36,199
- Read-Aloud
- ~4h 1m
- Text Density
- Standard