Clue at Black Creek Farm
Carolyn Keene
Clue at Black Creek Farm
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carolyn Keene
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
Here's a secret: something strange is making people at Black Creek very sick, and it all started with fresh fruits and vegetables from the Heyworth's farm. Nancy thinks someone is sabotaging the farm, but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This mystery novel follows Nancy as she investigates a case of food contamination at Black Creek Farm that is causing illness in the community. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it explores themes of problem-solving and community responsibility with mild suspense. Parents should note the story includes references to sickness caused by bacteria but no graphic details.
Why we rated Clue at Black Creek Farm 9LE
Clue at Black Creek Farm is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Clue at Black Creek Farm works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Clue at Black Creek Farm 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, Clue at Black Creek Farm explores mystery, adventure, and friendship — 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 mystery, adventure, friendship.
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
- 9781484454213
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction