The Black
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2011
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- grief and loss
- courage
- the supernatural vs. reality
- identity
- trust
- perseverance
About this book
Book Two of the Morpheus Road trilogy shifts to Cooper’s point of view, revealing his side of the eerie mystery that began in The Light. As he retraces terrifying events, Cooper discovers how his fate intertwines with Marshall’s and with a chilling force from beyond. Fast pacing, cliffhangers, and supernatural scares keep readers turning pages. Great for middle schoolers who like creepy mysteries with lots of action and a strong friendship at the center.
Setting: contemporary United States and a shadowy otherworld known as the Morpheus Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Black. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, loyalty, grief and loss.
How long does it take to read The Black?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Black takes around 11h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Black have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Black has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 The Black?
The Black has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.