Crime in the kennel
Franklin W. Dixon
Crime in the kennel
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Franklin W. Dixon
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: Dogs are vanishing all over Bayport, and only two young detectives know why. Frank and Joe are on the trail, but what they uncover next will surprise you—and that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This mystery novel follows young detectives Frank and Joe Hardy as they investigate a series of dog disappearances in Bayport. Suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, it offers an engaging story with mild suspense but no graphic content, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers who enjoy detective adventures.
Why we rated Crime in the kennel 9LE
Crime in the kennel 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, Crime in the kennel works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Crime in the kennel 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, Crime in the kennel explores mystery, adventure, friendship, animals, and detective 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.
- ✓ 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
- 9780671872175
- Pages
- 148
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction