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This Shattered World

Amie Kaufman

Cover of This Shattered World

This Shattered World

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Starbound Novel

by Amie Kaufman

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th 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

Gunfire cracks through the air as Flynn grabs Lee, dragging her into the shadows of the rebel base. They’re supposed to be enemies, but now Lee’s a prisoner—and the rebels want her gone for good. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Flynn makes a choice that could change everything.

Quick Assessment

This science fiction novel follows two young protagonists on opposite sides of a corporate-controlled planet torn by rebellion. The story explores themes of survival, loyalty, and unexpected alliances amid war and political unrest. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it contains moderate tension and conflict but no graphic content.

Why we rated This Shattered World 12ME

This Shattered World is written at a Level 7 reading level across 390 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This Shattered World works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate This Shattered World as 12ME ("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, This Shattered World explores science & nature, adventure, friendship, family, and romance — 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.

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

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

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

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

390 pages
ISBN
9781423171034
Pages
390
Publisher
Disney-Hyperion
Published
2014
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Science FictionLoveSurvivalInsurgencySpace ColoniesLove & RomanceRomance FictionAction & AdventureFantasy & MagicSurvival Skills