Endangered
Kate Jaimet
Endangered
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Death on a Deadline Mystery
by Kate Jaimet
The text is written at a 4th 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 salty breeze carries the sharp scent of the sea mixed with something darker—fear and mystery. Hayley, a tough and fearless young reporter, is on a quest to find a rare sea turtle, but her adventure turns dangerous when she discovers secrets about a blood-streaked shack and a shadowy world where rare creatures and crime collide. The ocean hides more than just waves, and Hayley is determined to uncover the truth.
Quick Assessment
Endangered is a middle-grade mystery that follows seventeen-year-old Hayley as she balances her final high school credit with a dangerous investigation involving rare sea turtles and a local murder linked to drug trafficking. Set in Nova Scotia, the story combines environmental themes with suspenseful moments appropriate for ages 9-12, featuring mild peril and references to crime. Parents should note the presence of firearm use and criminal activity depicted within a fast-paced, atmospheric narrative.
Why we rated Endangered 9MP
Endangered is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Endangered works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Endangered as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Crime, Firearm Use.
Thematically, Endangered explores adventure, mystery, science & nature, friendship, and coming of age — 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 adventure, mystery, science & nature.
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
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781929345168
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks, Inc.
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction