Under the light
Laura Whitcomb
Under the light
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Laura Whitcomb
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
Jenny feels the cold brush of a ghostly presence as she reaches out in the dark. Billy’s spirit is near, but something is wrong—he’s fading faster than ever before. Can love survive when one of you isn’t quite alive?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade paranormal fiction book continues the story of Jenny and Billy, exploring themes of love and the supernatural. Suitable for ages 9-12, it gently handles ghostly elements and emotional connections without intense scares or graphic content. Parents should know it contains mild supernatural themes but remains appropriate for its age group.
Why we rated Under the light 11LE
Under the light is written at a Level 6 reading level across 237 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Under the light works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Under the light as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Under the light explores ghost stories, love, juvenile fiction, love stories, and ghosts — 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 ghost stories, love, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780547367545
- Pages
- 237
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction