Clive and the missing finger
Sarah Garland
Clive and the missing finger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sarah Garland
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), 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
There's a secret about Clive's mysterious neighbor—the man with the missing finger has vanished without a trace. Nobody knows where he went or what he's hiding, but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader mystery follows Clive as he uncovers the truth about his unusual neighbor who has disappeared. Suitable for children ages 5-8, the story offers gentle suspense without any frightening content, making it ideal for young readers developing their detective skills.
Why we rated Clive and the missing finger 8LE
Clive and the missing finger is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clive and the missing finger works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Clive and the missing finger as 8LE ("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, Clive and the missing finger explores mystery, friendship, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The magic finger
Roald Dahl
The magic finger
Roald Dahl
The mystery
Garth Nix
The mystery
Garth Nix
Missing Molly
Lisa Jahn-Clough
Missing Molly
Lisa Jahn-Clough
Clues in the Woods
Peggy Parish
Clues in the Woods
Peggy Parish
Clue at the Zoo
Patricia Reilly Giff
Clue at the Zoo
Patricia Reilly Giff
The mystery of the missing man
Enid Blyton
The mystery of the missing man
Enid Blyton
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0140364285
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction