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Compromise

Michael White

Cover of Compromise

Compromise

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Faith and Reason Within the Development of the American Character

by Michael White

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Here's a secret: Alan James Shelden thought college would be just classes and friends. But instead, he's chasing a dangerous criminal and untangling a scandal that could ruin the whole school. And that’s only the beginning.

Themes

MysteryDetectiveCrimeEspionageJuvenile FictionScandal

Quick Assessment

This mystery novel follows 17-year-old detective Alan James Shelden as he navigates a tense college environment filled with crime, scandal, and intrigue. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves themes of sexual harassment allegations, embezzlement, and suspenseful investigations. Parents should be aware of mature themes presented in a way appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Why we rated Compromise 9ME

Compromise is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 108 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Compromise works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Compromise as 9ME ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Harassment Allegation, Crime, Scandal.

Thematically, Compromise explores mystery, detective, crime, espionage, and juvenile fiction — 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 mystery, detective, crime.

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

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Sexual Harassment Allegation Crime Scandal
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

108 pages
ISBN
9780738821238
Pages
108
Publisher
Xlibris Corporation
Published
May 11, 2000
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Crime & MysteryMystery & DetectiveMysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesMystery/ Detective