Deadly meeting
Bernard, Robert
Deadly meeting
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bernard, Robert
The text is written at a 6th 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
The Dean of the English Department slumps silently in his office, a shadow lurking just outside the door. Secrets start to unravel fast, and someone isn’t safe anymore. Suddenly, a chilling noise breaks the silence—who's coming in?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery novel revolves around the murder of a university dean, leading to a tense story of blackmail and a subsequent murder. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains themes of crime and suspense but handles these elements with care appropriate for this age group. Parents should be aware of the mature topics like murder and blackmail, though presented in a way accessible to middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Deadly meeting 11ME
Deadly meeting is written at a Level 6 reading level across 223 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Deadly meeting works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Deadly meeting as 11ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Deadly meeting explores mystery, american literature, friendship, and adventure — 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, american literature, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0393086097
- Pages
- 223
- Publisher
- Norton
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction