The rising
Tom Moorhouse
The rising
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tom Moorhouse
Illustrated by Mendez, Simon, illustrator
The text is written at a 6th 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
Kale and Strife’s uncle bursts in, breathless and urgent: 'I came here to warn you. Before it's too late.' Suddenly, the peaceful riverbank is shattered by danger, and the two young water voles must dash into the shadows where unseen enemies lurk. Can they survive the wild journey ahead, or will the river take everything from them?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows two young water voles, Kale and Strife, as they face unexpected dangers threatening their home. The story explores themes of family, courage, and survival in a richly imagined natural setting. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes some peril but resolves tensions appropriately and features black-and-white illustrations.
Why we rated The rising 11LE
The rising is written at a Level 6 reading level across 231 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The rising works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The rising as 11LE ("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 rising explores adventure, family, animals, and survival — 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 adventure, family, animals.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
- 9780192734822
- Pages
- 231
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction