CODE NAME
Ned Bannister
CODE NAME
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Snowball-#1
by Ned Bannister
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if you were one of the best teenage spies in the world, sent on a secret mission to outsmart a powerful Soviet strike force? Imagine racing against time, using your wits and skills to protect your team and your country. But what happens when the stakes get higher than ever before?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thrilling young adult adventure follows a team of elite teenage recruits as they face off against a Soviet strike force. It blends espionage and action suitable for teens aged 13-18, with a focus on teamwork and bravery. Parents should note that while the story involves conflict and suspense, it stays within appropriate boundaries for this age group.
Why we rated CODE NAME 9MP
CODE NAME is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 148 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, CODE NAME works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate CODE NAME as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, CODE NAME explores adventure, espionage, friendship, and teamwork — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, espionage, friendship.
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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780345351159
- Pages
- 148
- Publisher
- Ballantine Books
- Published
- October 12, 1988
- Type
- Fiction