Death at Devil's Bridge
Cynthia C. DeFelice
Death at Devil's Bridge
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cynthia C. DeFelice
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
In this adventurous sequel to Devil's Bridge, award-winning author Cynthia DeFelice's Death at Devil's Bridge tells the story of young teenager who must face up to his own weaknesses as he struggles to decide what to do about his troublemaking friend. At thirteen, Ben Daggett, a Martha's Vineyard local, takes a summer job as first mate on a charter boat and plans to spend the July Fourth weekend helping to entertain tourists. On his first day out, Ben spots a strange object in the water—a red Porsche. Then he learns that the driver is missing! Donny, a cool sixteen-year-old, admits to having submerged the car—but nothing more. Also a native, Donny resents the rich tourists, and even steals from them. Despite Donny's transgressions, Ben would give anything to hang out with him. Unfortunately, he gives too much, and ends up involved in drug dealing and maybe murder, and with full understanding of Donny's role in at least one of these crimes. Should he tell on Donny?
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Death at Devil's Bridge Level 0
Death at Devil's Bridge is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 134 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Death at Devil's Bridge works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Death at Devil's Bridge as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 0 — UnratedThis book has not yet been rated for content intensity.
Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781429955898
- Pages
- 134
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction