The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5)
Marty M. Engle
The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marty M. Engle
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
Here’s a secret: the monster lurking in the lakeside cavern might be more than just a legend. Thirteen-year-old Michelle and her friends are about to uncover something that could change everything—but that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction and fantasy novel follows thirteen-year-old Michelle and her companions as they explore a mysterious lakeside cavern rumored to be home to a monster. The story blends elements of adventure and mild horror, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, with some suspenseful moments that are appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5) 9LP
The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5) as 9LP ("Light — 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 Last One in (Strange Matter, No 5) explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, and mystery — 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 adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9781567140408
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Frontline Publications
- Published
- September 1995
- Type
- Fiction