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Death at Devil's Bridge

Cynthia C. DeFelice

Cover of Death at Devil's Bridge

Death at Devil's Bridge

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cynthia C. DeFelice

Reading Level 4-5 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

134 pages
ISBN
9781429955898
Pages
134
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Published
2011
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Mystery and Detective StoriesDrugsFishingMassachusetts