Unearthed
Amie Kaufman
Unearthed
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Amie Kaufman
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
The sharp clang of metal echoes through the ancient alien temple, dust swirling in the stale air as Jules and Mia race against time. Each step could trigger hidden traps, and every shadow hides a secret waiting to be uncovered. What if their discovery could save Earth—or doom it forever?
Quick Assessment
Unearthed is a middle-grade sci-fi adventure featuring a thrilling exploration of an alien planet by young scholars and scavengers. The story involves deciphering ancient messages, navigating dangers, and confronting themes of trust and survival. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild peril and complex puzzles but no graphic content.
Why we rated Unearthed 12ME
Unearthed is written at a Level 7 reading level across 330 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Unearthed works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Unearthed 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Unearthed explores adventure, science & nature, mystery, friendship, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781484758052
- Pages
- 330
- Publisher
- Disney-Hyperion
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction