Tracks
Vanessa Acton
Tracks
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Vanessa Acton
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Nick and Ava have become friends over the fact that they're the only upper classmen who still ride the bus to school. And every day, they see the same boy—who they call The Kid—walking along the train tracks, even when the weather is terrible or when he's clearly fighting a bad cold. When Nick notices the mysterious boy practically sprinting along the tracks one day and he doesn't show up the next, Nick and Ava begin to wonder if something might be wrong. But how can they help when they don't even know who The Kid is?
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Tracks Level 0
Tracks is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 104 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tracks works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Tracks as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
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.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781541501218
- Pages
- 104
- Publisher
- Darby Creek TM
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction