Disappearing Act (Economy)
Sid Fleischman
Disappearing Act (Economy)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sid Fleischman
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
Kevin and Holly are not your ordinary siblings—they're on the run from a mysterious man in a white suit who won’t stop chasing them. Tossed into the colorful chaos of Venice Beach’s circus-like performers and opera stars, their adventure twists and turns with surprises at every corner. When danger returns just as Holly’s big moment arrives, everything they’ve fought for is on the line.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade suspense novel follows siblings Kevin and Holly as they escape a threatening stranger and uncover family mysteries amid the vibrant Venice Beach community. The story blends humor, adventure, and suspense, making it suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note mild peril and suspenseful moments, but the book ultimately emphasizes courage and resilience.
Why we rated Disappearing Act (Economy) 9LP
Disappearing Act (Economy) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Disappearing Act (Economy) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Disappearing Act (Economy) as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Suspense.
Thematically, Disappearing Act (Economy) explores suspense/thriller, adventure, family, and friendship — 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 suspense/thriller, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9781932076448
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Full Cast Audio
- Published
- January 22, 2004
- Type
- Fiction