Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The name of the star
Maureen Johnson
The name of the star
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Shades of London: Book One
by Maureen Johnson
The text is written at a 4th 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
What if you moved to a new city on the very day a scary mystery begins? Rory arrives in London ready for adventure but soon finds herself caught in the middle of eerie murders copying the infamous Jack the Ripper. Why is Rory the only one who can see the suspect, and what danger is heading her way?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Rory, a teenager who moves to London just as a series of chilling murders reminiscent of Jack the Ripper begin. Blending mystery, paranormal elements, and light romance, the story includes suspenseful scenes and mild horror suited for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of some scary moments and themes of danger but with a tone that balances humor and adventure.
Why we rated The name of the star 9ME
The name of the star is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 372 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The name of the star works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The name of the star as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The name of the star explores mystery, paranormal, friendship, adventure, and coming of age — 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 mystery, paranormal, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399256608
- Pages
- 372
- Publisher
- G. P. Putnam's Sons
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 710L