What reading level is Token of darkness?

Token of darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is at a Level 6-7 reading level (Lexile 900L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Token of darkness appropriate for?

Token of darkness is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, Supernatural Themes.

What genre is Token of darkness?

Token of darkness is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Token of darkness have any content warnings?

Token of darkness has a HootRating of 11LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Supernatural Themes. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Token of darkness?

Token of darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is 197 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Token of darkness

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Token of darkness

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Reading Level 6-7 11LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Cooper Blake blinks awake, the crash still echoing in his mind, but something’s not right—he’s staring at a ghost with eyes full of secrets. Suddenly, whispers of other kids with strange powers swirl around him. Just when he thinks he might understand, everything shifts in a way he never saw coming.

Themes

Paranormal FictionGhostsSupernaturalTraffic AccidentsJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade paranormal fiction follows Cooper Blake as he recovers from a serious car accident and encounters a mysterious ghost. The story explores themes of supernatural abilities and hidden secrets among peers, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should be aware that the book includes mild supernatural elements and addresses the aftermath of a traffic accident.

Why we rated Token of darkness 11LP

Token of darkness is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 900L across 197 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Token of darkness works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate Token of darkness as 11LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Supernatural Themes.

Thematically, Token of darkness explores paranormal fiction, ghosts, supernatural, traffic accidents, and juvenile fiction — 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 paranormal fiction, ghosts, supernatural.

Maybe not for

! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.