Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2)
Dan Poblocki
Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dan Poblocki
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
These four friends aren’t just any detectives—they’ve cracked every case Moon Hollow has thrown at them. But when they stumble upon a secret society that’s been hiding for over a hundred years, things get far more dangerous than they ever imagined. Can they solve the mystery before the shadows catch them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows four young detectives as they uncover a century-old secret society in their town, facing unexpected dangers along the way. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the story blends paranormal elements with adventure and suspense, encouraging critical thinking and teamwork. Parents should note mild suspense and themes of secrecy and supernatural intrigue.
Why we rated Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2) 9LE
Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2) 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, Clocks and Robbers (The Mysterious Four #2) explores friendship, adventure, mystery, paranormal fiction, and secret societies — 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 friendship, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545299817
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction