The power
Betsy Haynes
The power
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Betsy Haynes
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
What if you discovered you had a mysterious power that could change everything around you? Imagine feeling that surge of energy bubbling inside, but not knowing if it’s a blessing or a curse. How far would you go to control it before it controls you?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the supernatural journey of a young protagonist who discovers a powerful ability. It's suitable for ages 9-12, with themes of self-discovery and responsibility woven into a suspenseful plot. Parents should note that the story involves elements of fantasy power dynamics but contains no graphic content.
Why we rated The power 9LE
The power is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 147 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The power works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The power as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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 power explores supernatural, coming of age, adventure, and fantasy world-building — 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 supernatural, coming of age, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0440971640
- Pages
- 147
- Publisher
- Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction