The Mist
by Stephen King
Penguin 2007
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival under siege
- fear of the unknown
- mob mentality and hysteria
- religious extremism
- parent-child bonds
- human nature versus monstrosity
- isolation and claustrophobia
- apocalypse and societal collapse
- moral ambiguity
- consequences of scientific experimentation
About this book
After a violent summer storm blankets a small Maine town in an unnatural mist filled with lethal, otherworldly creatures, a group of survivors barricades inside a supermarket. As terror mounts and supplies dwindle, fear and fanaticism threaten to become as deadly as the monsters outside.
Setting: Bridgton, Maine; primarily inside a supermarket in the immediate aftermath of a severe summer storm, contemporary era
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mist right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Mist. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th 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 under siege, fear of the unknown, mob mentality and hysteria.
How long does it take to read The Mist?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Mist takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Mist have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Mist has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Mist?
The Mist has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th 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.