Gentleman traitor
Alan Williams
Gentleman traitor
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
What has happened to Philby...?
by Alan Williams
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
What if one of the world's greatest spies decided to come back home after years of secrets and danger? Imagine sneaking through shadowy cities and secret meetings, trying to uncover the truth while being chased by powerful enemies. Could he escape with the biggest story ever told, or will the secrets catch up to him first?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows a journalist investigating the mysterious life of Kim Philby, a famous spy from the Cold War era, as he imagines Philby attempting to return from Moscow. The story blends real historical events with suspense and intrigue, presenting complex themes suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy mystery and adventure. There are some scenes involving danger and espionage, but content remains appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Gentleman traitor 11MT
Gentleman traitor is written at a Level 6 reading level across 255 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gentleman traitor works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Gentleman traitor as 11MT ("Moderate — Thematic") 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, thematic difficulty — 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, Gentleman traitor explores mystery, historical, adventure, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, historical, adventure.
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
11MT — Moderate — ThematicReal 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780856340239
- Pages
- 255
- Publisher
- Blond & Briggs
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction