Chase
Jessie Haas
Chase
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jessie Haas
The text is written at a 6th 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 would you do if you saw something no one else was supposed to see? In the smoky shadows of coal mines in 1800s Pennsylvania, Phin’s heart races as he flees from a relentless hunter—a man and a horse tracking him like a bloodhound. Can Phin outsmart danger before it catches up to him?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in mid-nineteenth century eastern Pennsylvania, this historical fiction follows Phin, a young boy who witnesses a murder and must escape a dangerous pursuer. The book explores themes of coal mining life and Irish American heritage, suitable for readers aged 9-12. While the story features suspense and mild peril, it is appropriate for middle-grade readers without graphic content.
Why we rated Chase 11LP
Chase is written at a Level 6 reading level across 250 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chase works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Chase as 11LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Chase explores history, adventure, family, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545109680
- Pages
- 250
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction