Vampire
Richie Tankersley Cusick
Vampire
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richie Tankersley Cusick
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: Darcy Thomas thought her summer at the Dungeon of Horrors would be full of spooky fun with her mysterious uncle Jake. But when real vampire bites show up and danger lurks close, everything changes in a heartbeat. And that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult horror novel follows Darcy Thomas as she spends the summer with her enigmatic uncle Jake at his eerie home, only to encounter real vampire attacks. Suitable for teens 13 and older, it contains suspenseful and frightening scenes that may be intense for sensitive readers. Parents should note the presence of supernatural horror and some violence tied to the vampire theme.
Why we rated Vampire 11MP
Vampire is written at a Level 6 reading level across 230 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Vampire works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Vampire as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from 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, Vampire explores horror & ghost stories, mystery, supernatural, and young adult fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about horror & ghost stories, mystery, supernatural.
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
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671709563
- Pages
- 230
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- June 1, 1991
- Type
- Fiction