A streak of light
Richard Lockridge
A streak of light
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richard Lockridge
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sound of a gunshot shatters the quiet newsroom. Two detectives race through the busy Manhattan office, searching for clues, but all they find is a mysterious streak of light under a closed door. What secret is hiding beyond that door, and who sent the shot?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows two detectives investigating a shooting in a Manhattan newsroom. The story contains themes of crime and investigation suitable for readers aged 9-12, with no graphic violence but some suspenseful moments. Parents should be aware that the book involves a political backdrop and a tense atmosphere.
Why we rated A streak of light 11MP
A streak of light is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A streak of light works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A streak of light as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, A streak of light explores mystery, adventure, and friendship — 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 mystery, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0397011776
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction