What we become
Jesse Karp
What we become
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jesse Karp
The text is written at a 8th 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 buzz of drones fills the air, mixing with the scent of ozone and secrets. Mal and Laura can feel the weight of the world pressing on their shoulders as they face a shadowy figure known only as the Old Man. Every choice could change what it means to be human—and this fight is far from over.
Quick Assessment
Set two years after a major victory against a manipulative corporation, this middle-grade science fiction novel follows Mal and Laura as they confront a new threat seeking total control over humanity. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of technology, power, and resistance with moderate intensity. Parents should note the presence of corporate intrigue and action scenes, although the content remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated What we become 12MT
What we become is written at a Level 8 reading level across 424 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, What we become works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate What we become as 12MT ("Moderate — Thematic") 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, social complexity, 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, What we become explores science & nature, adventure, social justice, and friendship — 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 science & nature, adventure, social justice.
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
12MT — Moderate — ThematicReal 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780547555003
- Pages
- 424
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction