Flash point
Michael Francis Gilbert
Flash point
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Francis Gilbert
The text is written at a 6th 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
Here's a secret: a respected British Parliament member is suddenly accused of stealing by a powerful official. But what if the truth is hidden beneath layers of mystery and deception? And that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery novel involves a British Parliament member accused of theft, drawing readers into a suspenseful investigation. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a classic detective story with themes of justice and intrigue, without graphic content.
Why we rated Flash point 11LE
Flash point is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flash point works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Flash point as 11LE ("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, Flash point explores mystery, detective, justice, and suspense — 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 mystery, detective, justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0060115181
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Harper & Row Publishers
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction