Crime of Two Cities
Kermit Frazier
Crime of Two Cities
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novelization
by Kermit Frazier
The text is written at a 5th 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
Jamal races through the bustling streets of London, heart pounding as he overhears a secret plan for a kidnapping back in New York City. With his new friend Becky by his side, every second counts to warn his team before it's too late. But will Ghostwriter's clues be enough to stop the crime in time?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows Jamal and Becky as they navigate an urgent mystery involving a kidnapping plot spanning London and New York City. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it combines adventure with teamwork and problem-solving. The story contains mild suspense but no intense violence or mature themes.
Why we rated Crime of Two Cities 10LE
Crime of Two Cities is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crime of Two Cities works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Crime of Two Cities as 10LE ("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 of Two Cities explores friendship, adventure, and mystery — 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 friendship, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — 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
- ISBN
- 9780785774754
- Publisher
- Skylark
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction