The slime that would not die
Laura Dower
The slime that would not die
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laura Dower
Illustrated by Schlafman, Dave, illustrator
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The squelch of slime echoes through the dark, sticky halls of Riddle’s old theater. Jesse and his friends can almost smell the eerie mix of popcorn and mystery as monsters from their favorite B-grade movies start creeping out of the screen. What happens when movie monsters come to life in your own town?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror fiction follows fifth-grader Jesse Ranger and his friends as they face creatures brought to life from local B-movie films in their town of Riddle. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story features themes of friendship, adventure, and mild spooky thrills without intense scares, making it appropriate for young readers who enjoy monster tales. Parents should note the horror elements are light and balanced with humor and teamwork.
Why we rated The slime that would not die 9LE
The slime that would not die is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 143 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The slime that would not die works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The slime that would not die 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 slime that would not die explores schools, friendship, adventure, horror films, and monsters — 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 schools, friendship, 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Slime Lake
Tom B. Stone
Slime Lake
Tom B. Stone
The slime that would not die
Laura Dower
The slime that would not die
Laura Dower
The Horror of the Black Light (Slime Files)
Jan Dean
The Horror of the Black Light (Slime Files)
Jan Dean
Horror Gets Slimed
Paul Martin
Horror Gets Slimed
Paul Martin
Slime Squad vs the Supernatural Squid
Steve Cole
Slime Squad vs the Supernatural Squid
Steve Cole
Attack of the Slime Monster (Ghostwriter)
Carin Greenberg Baker
Attack of the Slime Monster (Ghostwriter)
Carin Greenberg Baker
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545211871
- Pages
- 143
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction