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Quick answer: The Maze Runner by James Dashner is best for ages 12 and up. It has scary monsters, violence and several deaths of teenage boys, but very little romance and only made-up swear words, and the later books in the series become darker.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 12+
Reading level: Middle school to adult
Genre: YA dystopian science fiction
Published: 2009, first of a series
Main concerns: Violence, monster attacks, deaths
Movie rating: PG-13
The Maze Runner is a page-turner that hooks many reluctant readers, especially boys, with its mystery and nonstop action. It’s popular in middle schools and became a movie series. It’s also scary and violent at times. This guide explains what to expect, what the made-up language means and how the series changes as it goes on.
Table of Contents
What Is The Maze Runner About?
Thomas wakes up in an elevator with no memory except his name. He arrives in the Glade, a field surrounded by enormous walls, where a group of boys has been living for two years. Every day the walls open onto a giant maze, and every night they close, keeping out terrifying creatures called Grievers.
The day after Thomas arrives, the first girl ever sent to the Glade appears with a strange message. Thomas joins the Runners who map the maze, and together the Gladers race to solve it and discover who put them there and why.
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Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | Moderate to high | Grievers attack and sting boys, several characters die, and there are fights among the Gladers. |
| Language | Mild | Made-up slang like “shuck” and “klunk” replaces swearing. |
| Romance | Very mild | Hints of a bond between Thomas and Teresa; no kissing to speak of. |
| Scary content | Moderate to high | Creepy monsters, darkness and mystery throughout. |
| Sequels | Darker | The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure include a plague that turns people violent and more gruesome scenes. |
| Positive messages | Moderate | Teamwork, courage, leadership and loyalty to friends. |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is The Maze Runner a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 11 | Too scary for most kids; try Among the Hidden or Holes. |
| 11 to 12 | Fine for confident readers who enjoy suspense. |
| 12 to 14 | The sweet spot for the first book. |
| 14 and up | Ready for the darker sequels and prequels. |
Is The Maze Runner Okay for a 10- or 11-Year-Old?
Many 11-year-olds enjoy it, especially if they like suspense and aren’t easily frightened. The violence isn’t extremely gory in the first book, and there’s almost no romance or real swearing.
For 10-year-olds, the Grievers and the deaths may be too scary. The sequels get significantly darker, so it’s fine to let a younger reader enjoy book one and wait on the rest.
What Parents Should Know
- It’s great for reluctant readers. Short chapters and constant cliffhangers keep kids reading.
- The slang replaces swearing. Words like “shuck” sound rude but aren’t real swear words.
- The sequels are more disturbing. Infected people called Cranks make later books scarier.
- The movies are PG-13. They’re action-packed and similar in intensity.
- The prequels are also dark. The Kill Order begins with a deadly disaster.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for The Maze Runner
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of The Maze Runner.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- Why do you think the Gladers were put in the maze?
- What makes a good leader in the Glade?
- How does Thomas earn the others’ trust?
- Would you rather be a Runner or stay in the Glade? Why?
- How do the Gladers work together to survive?
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These picks have mystery, survival and teamwork with less fright, plus one for older readers.
Holes by Louis Sachar: ages 9 and up. A boy is sent to a strange desert camp where kids dig holes all day. It’s a clever, funny mystery.
Check price of Holes on Amazon
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: ages 9 and up. Gifted kids go undercover at a mysterious school. It’s full of puzzles and teamwork.
Check price of The Mysterious Benedict Society on Amazon
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer: ages 12 and up. A boy cloned from a drug lord fights for his identity. This National Book Award winner is thoughtful and gripping.
Check price of The House of the Scorpion on Amazon
Related: dystopian books like The Hunger Games and what age The Hunger Games is appropriate for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Maze Runner appropriate for?
The Maze Runner is generally recommended for ages 12 and up because of monster attacks, violence and the deaths of several characters.
Does The Maze Runner have bad language?
Not much. The characters use made-up slang like “shuck” and “klunk” instead of real swear words.
Is there romance in The Maze Runner?
Very little. Thomas and Teresa share a close bond, but there’s no real romance in the first book.
Are the Maze Runner sequels okay for 12-year-olds?
The sequels are darker and more violent, so many parents wait until 13 or 14 for them.
Is The Maze Runner movie appropriate for kids?
The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and violence, so it suits a similar age.