The prince in his dark days

Hico Yamanaka

Cover of The prince in his dark days

The prince in his dark days

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Hico Yamanaka

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Atsuko sneaks through glittering halls, pretending to be a spoiled prince named Itaru, but staying cold and cruel is harder than she thought. When Daigo, a real gentleman, sees past her mask, he asks for a secret favor that could change everything. Meanwhile, the real Itaru is lost in a world that feels nothing like home—what will happen next?

Themes

Runaway TeenagersImpersonationFriendshipComing of AgeSocial JusticeGraphic Novels

Quick Assessment

This graphic novel explores complex themes such as identity, impersonation, and the struggles of runaway and poor teenagers within an elite social setting. Suitable for ages 9-12, it addresses issues like social class and sexuality with sincerity and respect. Parents should be aware of mature emotional content and nuanced social situations portrayed throughout the story.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Identity & Self-Discovery Social Class Issues Sexuality
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

155 pages
ISBN
9781632363985
Pages
155
Publisher
National Geographic Books
Published
2017
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Runaway TeenagersImpersonationGraphic NovelsPoor TeenagersTranslations Into EnglishTeenagersComic Books, StripsLookalikesChildren of the RichChildren of AlcoholicsComics & Graphic Novels, Manga, Fantasy

Places

Japan