Felony at random
Dell Shannon
Felony at random
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dell Shannon
The text is written at a 6th 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 sharp scent of smoke curls through the air as sirens wail in the distance. Lt. Luis Mendoza steps carefully through the crowded streets of Los Angeles, chasing clues that could solve a tangled web of kidnappings and a chilling murder. Every sound could be a hint—or a warning that danger is closer than it seems.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Lt. Luis Mendoza of the Los Angeles Police Department as he investigates a series of serious crimes, including kidnapping and murder. The story introduces young readers to themes of law enforcement and justice within an urban setting, appropriate for ages 9-12. While the book contains some mature themes related to crime, it handles them with suitable restraint for middle-grade audiences.
Why we rated Felony at random 11ME
Felony at random is written at a Level 6 reading level across 239 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Felony at random works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Felony at random as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Felony at random explores mystery, police procedural, crime, and adventure — 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 mystery, police procedural, crime.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688034748
- Pages
- 239
- Publisher
- William Morrow & Company
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction