Them
Fay Sampson
Them
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Fay Sampson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
There’s a hidden truth about the world you thought you knew, whispered only to a chosen few. Power is shifting, and those who dare to resist face dangers beyond imagining—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult fantasy novel explores themes of hope and resistance against tyranny in a richly imagined world. Suitable for readers aged 13 and up, it offers engaging storytelling with moderate fantasy violence and complex themes. Parents should note its mature themes of oppression and courage but will find it a compelling read for teens interested in thought-provoking fiction.
Why we rated Them 11ME
Them is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Them works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Them as 11ME ("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, 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, Them explores fantasy, adventure, coming of age, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy, adventure, coming of age.
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.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780745946702
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Lion Books
- Published
- September 1, 2003
- Type
- Fiction