The Undertakers
Ty Drago
The Undertakers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Rise of the Corpses
by Ty Drago
The text is written at a 8th 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
The sharp scent of decay fills the air, mixing with the distant groans of the undead lurking in the shadows. Will Ritter’s heart pounds as he and his friends, the Undertakers, race through the crumbling streets of Philadelphia to stop a zombie invasion no one else can see. Every step could be their last, but giving up isn’t an option when the fate of the city hangs in the balance.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows Will Ritter and his friends, who are uniquely able to see and combat a zombie invasion threatening Philadelphia. The story explores themes of survival and friendship in a thrilling, suspenseful setting appropriate for readers ages 9 to 12. While the book contains fantasy violence and moments of mild peril, it remains suitable for middle-grade readers seeking adventure and suspense.
Why we rated The Undertakers 12MP
The Undertakers is written at a Level 8 reading level across 465 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Undertakers works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The Undertakers as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fantasy Violence, Mild Peril.
Thematically, The Undertakers explores zombies, middle schools, survival, adventure, and friendship — 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 zombies, middle schools, survival.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781402247859
- Pages
- 465
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks Fire
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction