A game of chase
Marcus Emerson
A game of chase
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marcus Emerson
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of burnt circuits fills the air as Chase tiptoes through the crowded school hallway. Projects vanish like shadows, only to be found shattered and useless. Can Chase uncover the mystery before the science fair turns into a disaster?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Chase, a student whose science fair projects start mysteriously disappearing and being destroyed. Designed for ages 9-12, it explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and perseverance without intense content. Suitable for young readers interested in school life and mild mystery elements.
Why we rated A game of chase 9LE
A game of chase is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 146 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A game of chase works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A game of chase as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A game of chase explores friendship, science & nature, mystery, adventure, and middle school students — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, science & nature, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781484467978
- Pages
- 146
- Publisher
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction