Butcher's moon
Donald E. Westlake
Butcher's moon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Donald E. Westlake
The text is written at a 7th 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
Parker is the smartest thief you've never met, but this time, even he can't find the stolen money! When the loot disappears, his clever plans suddenly hit a wall—and everything he’s worked for is at risk.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Parker, a cunning character involved in a failed armored car robbery who returns to reclaim missing money. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of crime and problem-solving with moderate tension but avoids graphic content. Parents should note the focus on criminal activity within a fictional context.
Why we rated Butcher's moon 12MT
Butcher's moon is written at a Level 7 reading level across 307 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Butcher's moon works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Butcher's moon as 12MT ("Moderate — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from thematic difficulty — 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, Butcher's moon explores mystery, crime, adventure, and problem solving — 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, crime, adventure.
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
12MT — Moderate — ThematicReal 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
- 039448343X
- Pages
- 307
- Publisher
- Random House Trade
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction