Dangerous Games
Leslie McFarlane
Dangerous Games
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leslie McFarlane
The text is written at a 6th 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: the biggest championship games at Golden State University are in danger, but nobody knows who's behind the threats. Nancy Drew and the Hardy brothers are on the case, racing against time to stop the mystery before it's too late. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery novel features beloved characters Nancy Drew and the Hardy brothers teaming up to uncover who is threatening a major sports event at Golden State University. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves suspense and problem-solving without graphic content, making it a thrilling yet age-appropriate read for young mystery fans.
Why we rated Dangerous Games 11LE
Dangerous Games is written at a Level 6 reading level across 218 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dangerous Games works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dangerous Games as 11LE ("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, Dangerous Games explores mystery, adventure, friendship, and sports — 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
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9780671649203
- Pages
- 218
- Publisher
- Pocket Books
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction