The forsaken
Lisa M. Stasse
The forsaken
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Forsaken Trilogy
by Lisa M. Stasse
The text is written at a 7th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Alenna runs through the shadowy corridors of a prison island, her heart pounding as guards shout behind her. Every step could mean capture, but escape feels like the only chance to prove she's not what they say she is. Suddenly, a hidden door creaks open — but what’s waiting inside might change everything.
Quick Assessment
Set in a dystopian future where North America has merged into a single nation, this middle-grade novel follows 16-year-old Alenna, who is unfairly imprisoned on a remote island for youths labeled as violent. The story explores themes of resistance, survival, and the impact of authoritarian government control, appropriate for readers aged 9-12. While the book touches on challenging topics such as prisons and fascism, these are presented within a fictional context suitable for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The forsaken 12MT
The forsaken is written at a Level 7 reading level across 375 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The forsaken works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The forsaken as 12MT ("Moderate — Thematic") 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, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Prison Setting, Authoritarian Themes.
Thematically, The forsaken explores resistance, survival, prisons, fascism, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about resistance, survival, prisons.
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
12MT — Moderate — ThematicReal 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Forsaken
Tom Sniegoski
Forsaken
Tom Sniegoski
The defiant
Lisa M. Stasse
The defiant
Lisa M. Stasse
Forsaken Soul
Priscilla Royal
Forsaken Soul
Priscilla Royal
Forsaken Son
Joshua Pederson
Forsaken Son
Joshua Pederson
Forsaken Castle
Marquis Pierre
Forsaken Castle
Marquis Pierre
The Forsaken Army
Heinrich Gerlach
The Forsaken Army
Heinrich Gerlach
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442432666
- Pages
- 375
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction