Danger at the circus!
Alain Surget
Danger at the circus!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alain Surget
Illustrated by Parme, Fabrice. illustrator
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Cleopatra and Caesar aren't just rulers—they're targets in a deadly game of secrets! When danger lurks in the shadows of Rome, Cleo, Imeni, and Antinios must outsmart a hidden betrayer to protect their friends. Every corner hides a clue, but can they uncover the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction adventure follows three children traveling with Cleopatra and Caesar in ancient Rome as they unravel a mystery involving assassination attempts. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, the story introduces young audiences to historical figures and suspenseful themes with age-appropriate language and mild peril. Parents should note the presence of danger and betrayal elements, which are handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Danger at the circus! 8LE
Danger at the circus! is written at a Level 3 reading level across 95 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Danger at the circus! works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Danger at the circus! as 8LE ("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, Danger at the circus! explores friendship, adventure, historical, mystery, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, adventure, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781435153349
- Pages
- 95
- Publisher
- Sandy Creek
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction