HootRated mascot HootRated

Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4)

Bill Doyle

Cover of Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4)

Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie

by Bill Doyle

Crime Through Time

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Fourteen-year-old Zeke joins a traveling disco troupe linked to the King Tut exhibit in 1977 and soon finds himself unraveling strange accidents and cryptic clues tied to ancient relics. As secrets from the past come to light, he must solve the mystery before the curse catches up with the cast and crew. Adventure and history collide in this thrilling detective tale set against a groovy backdrop.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) 9LP

Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages (approximately 24,302 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) works for readers up to grade 6.8.

Read aloud, Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) runs about 2.7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.

Thematically, Betrayed! The 1977 Journal of Zeke Moorie (Crime Through Time, No. 4) explores historical, mystery, adventure, and coming of age — 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.
  • Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
  • Kids drawn to stories about historical, mystery, adventure.
  • Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 2 more books in the Crime Through Time series.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

6/10

Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

More in the Crime Through Time Series

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

144 pages
24,302 words
2h 42m read-aloud
ISBN
031605741X
Pages
144
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published
July 12, 2006
Type
Fiction
Word Count
24,302
Read-Aloud
~2h 42m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Action & AdventureHistoricalLaw & CrimeUnited States20th CenturyMysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesPerforming ArtsDanceCiphersDisco Dancing