Close
Martina Cole
Close
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Martina Cole
The text is written at a 8th 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
What happens when love is caught in the middle of danger? In the bustling streets of London, Patrick Brodie and Lily Diamond tie the knot, but their happiness is shattered when Patrick suddenly disappears. Can Lily protect her family and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of family loyalty and resilience set against the backdrop of London's gangland. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains elements of mild peril and emotional challenges related to separation and uncertainty. Parents should be aware of the book's focus on family dynamics amid a tense environment.
Why we rated Close 12ME
Close is written at a Level 8 reading level across 512 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Close works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Close as 12ME ("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 — 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, Close explores family, adventure, and emotional resilience — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, adventure, emotional resilience.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780446179966
- Pages
- 512
- Publisher
- Grand Central Publishing
- Published
- July 1, 2008
- Type
- Fiction