Colby brass
Debra Webb
Colby brass
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Debra Webb
The text is written at a 6th 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
Colby Brass is the best at finding missing kids, but this time his toughest challenge isn’t the case—it’s working with his ex-wife! When they team up to find a child in Chicago’s darkest places, old feelings spark and danger lurks around every corner. Can they solve the mystery and maybe even fix their broken family?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows private investigator Colby Brass as he searches for an abducted child in Chicago, teaming up with his ex-wife despite their complicated past. The story explores themes of family, reconciliation, and bravery in dangerous situations, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note some mild peril and emotional tension but nothing graphic or inappropriate.
Why we rated Colby brass 11ME
Colby brass is written at a Level 6 reading level across 219 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Colby brass works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Colby brass as 11ME ("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, physical peril — 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, Colby brass explores family, adventure, mystery, divorce & family change, and private investigators — 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 family, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
3/10A 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
- 9780373695089
- Pages
- 219
- Publisher
- Harlequin
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction