The last sontaran
Gary Russell
The last sontaran
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gary Russell
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: Sarah Jane Smith is about to uncover a mystery that could change everything about the universe. With Maria, Luke, Clyde, and her clever computer 'Mr Smith,' she's stepping into a world where humans and aliens collide—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Sarah Jane Smith and her friends as they investigate strange events involving alien encounters. Suitable for ages 9-12, it features themes of science, friendship, and adventure without any intense content. The story encourages curiosity and teamwork while introducing readers to strong female scientist characters.
Why we rated The last sontaran 9LE
The last sontaran is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 116 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last sontaran works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The last sontaran as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The last sontaran explores friendship, adventure, science & nature, human-alien encounters, and women scientists — 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 friendship, adventure, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9781405905091
- Pages
- 116
- Publisher
- BBC Children's Books
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction