The Creatures of Killburn Mine cover

The Creatures of Killburn Mine

Author: Smith, Dan

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.4
Points 2.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 11646
Points per Word 0.000172

Description

When a meteorite crashes to Earth near Crooked Oak, Pete, Nancy and Krish are determined to find it. But they're not the only ones. Contains disturbing imagery. Book #5

Quick Summary

If your kid likes adventure books with a slightly spooky edge, this one's for them. Pete, Nancy, and Krish are three relatable middle schoolers who decide to hunt down a meteorite that crashes near their town, only to discover they are definitely not the only ones interested in finding it. The tension builds nicely throughout, with creepy atmosphere that keeps you turning pages rather than lots of blood and gore. I'd say it's a solid pick for kids who enjoy mysteries with an otherworldly twist but aren't ready for full-on horror think spooky enough to give you chills without being genuinely disturbing. If your young reader has liked "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen or enjoys slightly eerie adventure stories, they'll probably get into this. Parents should know the publisher flags some disturbing imagery, so it might be worth previewing if your kid is on the younger or more sensitive end of that 4-8 grade range. At just under 12,000 words, it's a quick read that won't intimidate reluctant readers, which makes it a great choice for kids who want the satisfaction of finishing a book without committing to something long.