Death of lies
Margo Sorenson
Death of lies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Socrates
by Margo Sorenson
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Kenneth and Aleesa aren't just studying Socrates—they're about to meet him face-to-face in ancient Athens! When their extra credit project turns into a race against time, they must use their wits to save the philosopher's life. What they do next could change history forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows Kenneth and Aleesa, two students who are unexpectedly transported back to ancient Athens while working on a project about Socrates. The story explores themes of honesty, philosophy, and time travel in an age-appropriate way for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the book involves mild peril but maintains a positive message about critical thinking and integrity.
Why we rated Death of lies 9LE
Death of lies is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 108 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Death of lies works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Death of lies as 9LE ("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, Death of lies explores philosophy, time travel, honesty, adventure, and historical — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about philosophy, time travel, honesty.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 0780767918
- Pages
- 108
- Publisher
- Perfection Learning Corp.
- Published
- 1998
- Type
- Fiction