Gone
by Michael Grant, Michael Grant
HarperCollins 2008
Book 1 of Gone
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.3 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- leadership and power
- community and society
- friendship and loyalty
- good vs. evil
- identity and responsibility
- fear and courage
About this book
In an instant, everyone over fifteen disappears from the small town of Perdido Beach, and the kids left behind must fend for themselves inside a mysterious barrier. As supplies run low and strange new powers emerge, friendships, rivalries, and fragile alliances decide who leads and who follows. Fast-paced and gritty, this series opener blends survival, mystery, and superpowers in a way that keeps readers turning pages. Great for teens who enjoy high-stakes action and moral dilemmas without heavy adult content.
Setting: Perdido Beach, California, sealed inside the FAYZ (an impenetrable dome-like barrier)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gone right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Gone. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, leadership and power, community and society.
How long does it take to read Gone?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Gone takes around 16h to finish. The book has 140,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gone have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gone has an AR quiz available, worth 21 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Gone?
Gone has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.