The row
J. R. Johansson
The row
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by J. R. Johansson
The text is written at a 7th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Riley has been visiting her dad on death row for twelve years, holding onto hope that he might be innocent. She's about to uncover truths that could change everything—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows seventeen-year-old Riley as she investigates her father's possible innocence after years of visiting him on death row. The story explores complex family dynamics and themes of justice suitable for readers aged 9-12, with some intense emotional moments related to crime and punishment.
Why we rated The row 12ME
The row is written at a Level 7 reading level across 346 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The row works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The row as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Crime, Death Row, Family Separation.
Thematically, The row explores detective and mystery stories, families, prisoners, family life, and fiction — 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 detective and mystery stories, families, prisoners.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The telling
Alexandra Sirowy
The telling
Alexandra Sirowy
Row
J. R. Johansson
Row
J. R. Johansson
Rowan
Josephine Angelini
Rowan
Josephine Angelini
An Inmate's Daughter
Jan Walker
An Inmate's Daughter
Jan Walker
See Jane run
Hannah Jayne
See Jane run
Hannah Jayne
John Riley's daughter
Kezi Matthews
John Riley's daughter
Kezi Matthews
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374300258
- Pages
- 346
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction