Things
Rodman Philbrick
Things
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rodman Philbrick
The text is written at a 4th 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
Nick and Frasier sprint through the shadowy streets, their hearts pounding as the sound of footsteps closes in behind them. Jessie’s taken, dragged into the eerie depths of Harley Hill where no one dares to follow. Can they rescue her before the aliens turn her into one of their own?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows three kids battling an alien invasion that has taken over their town's adults. The story contains themes of bravery and teamwork as the children confront frightening challenges to save their friend. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes suspenseful moments but no graphic content.
Why we rated Things 9ME
Things is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 137 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Things works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Things as 9ME ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Things explores adventure, friendship, science & nature, and fantasy world-building — 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 adventure, friendship, science & nature.
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
9ME — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781497685420
- Pages
- 137
- Publisher
- Open Road Media
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction