The syndrome
Ridley Pearson
The syndrome
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a Kingdom Keepers adventure
by Ridley Pearson
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
The sharp scent of rain mixes with the electric buzz in the air as Amanda steps into the bustling streets of Orlando. Her heart pounds — Finn Whitman, a Kingdom Keeper, has vanished without a trace. With her telekinetic powers ready and her friends' mysterious gifts at her side, Amanda faces a maze of secrets and danger that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Amanda and her friends, each with unique extrasensory abilities, as they search for their missing friend Finn Whitman. The story explores themes of good versus evil and teamwork, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of suspense and mild peril, but no graphic content.
Why we rated The syndrome 11LE
The syndrome is written at a Level 6 reading level across 286 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The syndrome works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The syndrome 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 syndrome explores adventure, friendship, fantasy world-building, good and evil, and extrasensory perception — 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, friendship, fantasy world-building.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781484724088
- Pages
- 286
- Publisher
- Disney-Hyperion
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction