Broken promises
Carolyn Keene
Broken promises
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carolyn Keene
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 a college professor suddenly turns up dead, and all clues point to a secret someone wants to hide? Leslie is shaken, and Nancy feels the mystery pulling her in deeper than ever. Can they uncover the truth before more promises are broken?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Nancy as she helps her friend Leslie investigate the sudden death of Leslie's professor. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, the story presents light suspense and problem-solving without graphic content, making it appropriate for young readers who enjoy detective stories.
Why we rated Broken promises 9LE
Broken promises is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 182 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Broken promises works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Broken promises 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, Broken promises explores mystery, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, coming of age.
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
- 9780671527570
- Pages
- 182
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction