The waking dark
Robin Wasserman
The waking dark
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robin Wasserman
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
What if your whole town started acting like strangers after a terrible storm? In Oleander, Kansas, five kids are the only ones who remember what really happened during a string of mysterious deaths. Can they figure out the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows five young witnesses who confront a series of strange behaviors and deaths in their town following a deadly storm. The story involves themes of homicide and mystery suited for readers aged 9-12, though parents should be aware of the intense subject matter surrounding death and violence. The book offers a suspenseful, thought-provoking read appropriate for mature middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The waking dark 12ME
The waking dark is written at a Level 8 reading level across 454 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The waking dark works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The waking dark 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Homicide, Death, Murder.
Thematically, The waking dark explores science & nature, mystery, and adventure — 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 science & nature, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
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
- 9780375872785
- Pages
- 454
- Publisher
- Ember
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction