The Maze Runner
James Dashner
The Maze Runner
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Book One of the Maze Runner Series
by James Dashner
The Maze Runner · Book 1
The text is written at a 5th 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
A boy wakes up with no memory in a mysterious place surrounded by a giant maze filled with danger. Alongside other boys trapped there, he must solve the maze’s deadly secrets to find a way out. When the first girl appears with a chilling warning, everything changes and the race for survival becomes even more urgent.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fear & anxiety, survival. Written for readers ages 9-12.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal 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
5/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385737951
- Pages
- 374
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction