Flicker & burn
T. M. Goeglein
Flicker & burn
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by T. M. Goeglein
The text is written at a 7th 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
Sara Jane races through the shadowy streets, heart pounding as mysterious creatures close in behind her. Every step could be her last as she clutches a secret that might save her missing family—or doom them all. Suddenly, a chilling sound echoes from the darkness—what’s waiting just around the corner?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Sara Jane Rispoli as she searches for her missing mafia family while evading mysterious, threatening creatures. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves themes of violence and secret societies, with some suspenseful moments that may be intense for sensitive readers.
Why we rated Flicker & burn 12ME
Flicker & burn is written at a Level 7 reading level across 343 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flicker & burn works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Flicker & burn as 12ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence.
Thematically, Flicker & burn explores mystery, adventure, secret societies, and missing persons — 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, adventure, secret societies.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780399257216
- Pages
- 343
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction