The planet thieves

Name: The planet thieves
Author: Dan Krokos
ISBN: 9780765334282

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Dan Krokos

Reading Level 5-6 MP · Moderate · Physical Ages 9-12 Matched

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. Its HootRating code, MP, means moderate content, mostly physical.

Find on Amazon Listen on Audible

We may earn a commission from these links.

About This Book

Thirteen-year-old Mason Stark trains aboard a spaceship when an unexpected attack by the alien Tremist throws him and his fellow cadets into a fierce battle. As the war between humans and Tremist rages on, Mason must find courage and teamwork to survive in the vastness of space. Adventure and danger await on this thrilling journey beyond the stars.

Themes

Adventure Science & NatureWar & ConflictComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include fantasy violence, physical danger, war & conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated The planet thieves MP (Moderate)

The planet thieves is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 253 pages (approximately 64,420 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 7 and up can manage The planet thieves on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

Read aloud, The planet thieves runs about 7.2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate The planet thieves as MP (Moderate, mostly physical) because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fantasy Violence, Physical Danger, War & Conflict.

Thematically, The planet thieves explores adventure, science & nature, war & conflict, 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.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy denser, slower-paced text.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, war & conflict.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the text is dense and the pacing rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

MP · Moderate · Physical

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Moderate ←

Social

Moderate

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.