Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The Six
Mark Alpert
The Six
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mark Alpert
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp buzz of machines fills the air as cold metal brushes against skin—only this time, the skin belongs to a powerful robot. Imagine feeling every whir and click inside your new mechanical body, knowing the fate of the world depends on mastering it. But with danger lurking and time running out, can six brave teens become heroes beyond their wildest dreams?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows Adam, a boy with muscular dystrophy, and five other terminally ill teens who upload their minds into robotic bodies to combat a rogue artificial intelligence threatening humanity. The story explores themes of disability, courage, and teamwork in a futuristic setting appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the intense sci-fi action and the emotional depth related to illness and identity.
Why we rated The Six 9ME
The Six is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 780L across 373 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Six works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Six as 9ME ("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, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The Six explores science & nature, adventure, friendship, disability representation, and artificial intelligence — 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The siege
Mark Alpert
The siege
Mark Alpert
Six
M. M. Vaughan
Six
M. M. Vaughan
Six #1
Jody Houser
Six #1
Jody Houser
Boy robot
Simon Curtis
Boy robot
Simon Curtis
6
James Phelan
6
James Phelan
The Silver Six
A. J. Lieberman
The Silver Six
A. J. Lieberman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781492615293
- Pages
- 373
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks Fire
- Published
- 7 July 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 780L