What reading level is The walls around us?

The walls around us by Nova Ren Suma is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 860L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The walls around us appropriate for?

The walls around us is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is The walls around us?

The walls around us is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does The walls around us have any content warnings?

The walls around us has a HootRating of 10ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The walls around us?

The walls around us by Nova Ren Suma is 319 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

The walls around us

Nova Ren Suma

The walls around us

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

a novel

by Nova Ren Suma

Reading Level 5-6 10ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 5th 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

I have a secret about three girls linked by shadows and secrets. One dances on the outside, another is trapped behind cold walls, and the third holds a mysterious key. But that's only the beginning...

Themes

SupernaturalBallet dancersParanormal fictionJuvenile detention homesGuilt and InnocenceJusticeMystery

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel blends supernatural elements with the poignant realities of juvenile detention and the world of ballet. It explores themes of guilt, innocence, and justice through a suspenseful narrative suitable for readers aged 9-12, though some scenes may be intense for sensitive readers. The story thoughtfully addresses complex emotions and moral ambiguity within a paranormal framework.

Why we rated The walls around us 10ME

The walls around us is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 860L across 319 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The walls around us works for readers up to grade 7.5.

We rate The walls around us as 10ME ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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 walls around us explores supernatural, ballet dancers, paranormal fiction, juvenile detention homes, and guilt and innocence — 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 supernatural, ballet dancers, paranormal fiction.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.