Walk on water
Parker, Daniel
Walk on water
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Parker, Daniel
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
There’s a secret hidden in the pages of a diary—someone has vanished without a trace from the halls of a seemingly ordinary high school. Whispers float through the classrooms, but no one knows the whole story yet. And that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of missing persons and secrets within a high school setting, centered around a diary that holds crucial clues. Suitable for ages 9-12, it delicately handles mystery elements without graphic content, making it a compelling but age-appropriate read. Parents should note the story involves the concept of disappearance but treats it with sensitivity.
Why we rated Walk on water 11LE
Walk on water is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Walk on water works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Walk on water 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, Walk on water explores mystery, friendship, coming of age, and school life — 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 mystery, friendship, coming of age.
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
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
- 1595140026
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Razorbill
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction