The Web
Peter F. Hamilton
The Web
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peter F. Hamilton
Web
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
Thirteen-year-old Aynsley is drawn to mysterious glowing lights flickering over the marshlands, sparking her curiosity and courage. As she uncovers secrets tied to the local power plant, she faces eerie dangers and unsettling truths that test her bravery and resolve. Adventure and suspense weave through a tale where technology and mystery collide.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include gaslighting, stalking, breathing difficulty. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The Web 10MP
The Web is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 128 pages (approximately 25,118 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Web works for readers up to grade 7.2.
Read aloud, The Web runs about 2.8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The Web as 10MP ("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: Gaslighting, Stalking, Breathing Difficulty, Death of a Parent, Claustrophobia, Gun Violence.
Thematically, The Web explores science fiction, mystery, adventure, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science fiction, 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 who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10MP — 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
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0765349426
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- August 2, 2005
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 25,118
- Read-Aloud
- ~2h 47m
- Text Density
- Standard