Barracuda
Sigmund Brouwer
Barracuda
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sigmund Brouwer
The text is written at a 4th 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
Jim paddles his kayak across the shimmering waters of the Florida Keys, eyes locked on the elusive barracuda below. Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerges from the shore, clutching secrets that could change everything. Before Jim can react, the calm of the resort is shattered—what danger is hiding beneath the waves?
Quick Assessment
Barracuda follows Jim Webb on a suspenseful adventure during a Florida Keys vacation with his grandfather, where he uncovers a dangerous mystery tied to a local legend and a dying resort owner. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, this middle-grade novel explores themes of family, courage, and self-discovery through engaging adventure and mystery elements. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and mystery-driven tension.
Why we rated Barracuda 9ME
Barracuda is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 174 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Barracuda works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Barracuda as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, 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, Barracuda explores adventure, mystery, and family — 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 adventure, mystery, family.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781459811522
- Pages
- 174
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction