What reading level is The planet thieves?

The planet thieves by Dan Krokos is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 770L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The planet thieves appropriate for?

The planet thieves is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10MP (Moderate — Physical). Content flags: Fantasy Violence, Physical Danger, War & Conflict.

What genre is The planet thieves?

The planet thieves is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The planet thieves have any content warnings?

The planet thieves has a HootRating of 10MP (Moderate — Physical). Content flags include: Fantasy Violence, Physical Danger, War & Conflict. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The planet thieves?

The planet thieves by Dan Krokos is 253 pages (approximately 64,420 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

The planet thieves

Dan Krokos

The planet thieves

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Dan Krokos

Reading Level 5-6 10MP 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.

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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 10MP

The planet thieves is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 770L across 253 pages (approximately 64,420 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The planet thieves works for readers up to grade 7.8.

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

We rate The planet thieves as 10MP ("Moderate — 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 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 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 pacing here rewards patience.