Chicago
Ian Berry
Chicago
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The fifth book in the Saskia story
by Ian Berry
The text is written at a 6th 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
Saskia and her twin spring into action, racing through the bustling streets of Chicago to stop a building disaster. Suddenly, they're whisked back in time to 1973, where fixing one small problem could change the future forever. But when a brave policewoman falls, Saskia faces a heartbreaking challenge — can she save the day this time?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Saskia and her twin as they balance everyday life with their roles as the SuperTwins, using their powers to prevent disasters and travel through time. The story includes themes of loss, bravery, and family bonds, with some moments of mild peril and emotional weight suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of a shooting incident and a funeral scene, handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Chicago 11ME
Chicago is written at a Level 6 reading level across 245 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chicago works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Chicago as 11ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Loss & Grief.
Thematically, Chicago explores adventure, family, friendship, and time travel — 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 adventure, family, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" 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
- 9781783332090
- Pages
- 245
- Publisher
- Andrews UK Limited
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction