These shallow graves

Jennifer Donnelly

Cover of These shallow graves

These shallow graves

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jennifer Donnelly

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

In 19th-century New York, a determined young woman challenges the limits set by society after her father’s death, which she suspects hides a deeper secret. As she digs into the mystery, she must navigate harsh gender roles and social barriers, risking everything to find the truth. Her journey reveals the strength it takes to fight for justice and uncover hidden realities.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include death, gender roles, social class. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Death Gender Roles Social Class Emotional: Loss & Grief
Data confidence: high

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

487 pages
127,152 words
14h 8m read-aloud
ISBN
9780385737654
Pages
487
Publisher
Random House Publishing Group
Published
2015
Type
Fiction
Word Count
127,152
Lexile
630L
Read-Aloud
~14h 8m
Text Density
Dense

Genres

Subjects

Fathers and DaughtersDeathSex RoleSocial ClassesYoung Adult FictionNew York

Places

New York (N.Y.)