Guaranteed to fade
Aaron Marc Stein
Guaranteed to fade
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Aaron Marc Stein
The text is written at a 4th 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
What if a mysterious death uncovered secrets tangled with six ex-wives? In the bustling streets of New York City, a clever mystery writer teams up with an inspector to unravel clues hidden in the shadows. Can they find the truth before it fades away?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows George Bagby, a mystery writer, as he assists an inspector in solving the suspicious death of Tommy Thomas. Set in New York City, the story involves intriguing characters and a complex case suitable for readers aged 9-12, with mild suspense typical of detective fiction.
Why we rated Guaranteed to fade 9LE
Guaranteed to fade is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Guaranteed to fade works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Guaranteed to fade as 9LE ("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, Guaranteed to fade explores mystery, adventure, friendship, and family — 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, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 0385144997
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction