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The outcasts

Максим Горький

Cover of The outcasts

The outcasts

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

And Other Stories

by Максим Горький

Reading Level 4-5 9MS Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 about a world hidden from the bright city streets—where some kids don't quite fit in. They struggle, dream, and fight for a place to belong, but that's only the beginning.

Quick Assessment

This classic story, translated from Russian, explores themes of social exclusion and hardship in early 20th century Soviet society. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers a thoughtful look at social life and customs through engaging fiction, with mild emotional challenges related to belonging and identity.

Why we rated The outcasts 9MS

The outcasts is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 152 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The outcasts works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The outcasts as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — 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 mild intensity score.

Thematically, The outcasts explores multicultural, social justice, coming of age, and family — 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.
  • Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
  • Kids drawn to stories about multicultural, social justice, coming of age.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9MS — Moderate — Social
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

152 pages
ISBN
0836933931
Pages
152
Publisher
Books for Libraries Press
Published
1970
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Gorky, Maksim, 1868-1936Translations Into EnglishSoviet UnionSocial Life and CustomsRussian Short Stories

People

Maksim Gorky (1868-1936)

Places

Soviet Union