The nearest fire
Cherry Wilder
The nearest fire
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cherry Wilder
The text is written at a 6th 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
The sharp crackle of dry leaves underfoot echoes through the alien forest on Torin, where strange smells and shifting shadows hide secrets. Three earthmen, separated from their friend, must sneak past the watchful Great Elder with help from two daring refugees. Every step brings them closer to a risky mission that could change everything.
Quick Assessment
Set on the planet Torin, this middle-grade science fiction novel follows three earthmen who, aided by two refugees from a penal colony, evade capture by a powerful figure called the Great Elder. The story explores themes of cooperation and survival in an alien environment, suitable for readers aged 9-12. There is mild tension related to pursuit but no intense violence or mature content.
Why we rated The nearest fire 11LP
The nearest fire is written at a Level 6 reading level across 226 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The nearest fire works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The nearest fire as 11LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The nearest fire explores science & nature, adventure, and friendship — 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 0689307624
- Pages
- 226
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction