A novel nightmare
Jan Fields
A novel nightmare
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Purloined Story
by Jan Fields
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
What if the exciting new book your uncle is turning into a virtual reality world isn’t as original as everyone thinks? Isabelle spots a secret—someone copied the story from a famous mystery! Now, Carter has to step in and make sure the truth comes out, but can he do it before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Isabelle and Carter as they uncover plagiarism in a book being adapted into a virtual reality experience by their Uncle Dan. The story explores themes of honesty and creativity in a kid-friendly way suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the book addresses issues of intellectual property and ethical behavior without intense conflict or distress.
Why we rated A novel nightmare 9LE
A novel nightmare is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 114 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A novel nightmare works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A novel nightmare 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 novel nightmare explores books and reading, plagiarism, family, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about books and reading, plagiarism, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781616419240
- Pages
- 114
- Publisher
- ABDO
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction