The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie)
Melissa de la Cruz
The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An Octagon Valley Adventure
by Melissa de la Cruz
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.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: the moon might not be made of cheese after all—it's hiding something way bigger. Edwin and his alien friends have a mission that could change everything, but the real danger is waiting in a secret moon base. And that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle grade adventure follows Edwin and his alien crew as they race against time to stop a dangerous enemy on the moon. Filled with action, friendship, and science fiction themes, it explores identity and teamwork in a fast-paced, engaging story suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note some mild peril and fantasy violence as the characters face challenges to save Earth.
Why we rated The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie) 12ME
The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie) is written at a Level 7 reading level across 304 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie) works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie) 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, physical peril — 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 Super Secret Mission to the Center of the Moon (pie) explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, friendship, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — 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
3/10A 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
- 9781368083751
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Disney Hyperion
- Published
- 2025
- Type
- Fiction