Harrigan's file
August Derleth
Harrigan's file
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by August Derleth
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what secrets a newspaper reporter might uncover when strange things start happening? Tex Harrigan dives into mysterious adventures—from tiny invaders to rockets to the moon—and each story holds a surprising twist. But what will happen when the unknown pushes the limits of imagination?
Quick Assessment
This collection features seventeen imaginative science fiction stories centered around Tex Harrigan, a curious newspaper reporter who encounters extraordinary events. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the tales explore classic sci-fi themes with a vintage American flavor. Parents should note the stories contain mild suspense and speculative concepts typical of the genre but no graphic content.
Why we rated Harrigan's file 11LE
Harrigan's file is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Harrigan's file works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Harrigan's file 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, Harrigan's file explores science & nature, adventure, mystery, and historical — 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 science & nature, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Strange doings
R. A. Lafferty
Strange doings
R. A. Lafferty
Are there alien beings?
Gerald S. Snyder
Are there alien beings?
Gerald S. Snyder
Hagen's World
Katherine Ann Hartlef
Hagen's World
Katherine Ann Hartlef
The best of C. M. Kornbluth
Cyril M. Kornbluth
The best of C. M. Kornbluth
Cyril M. Kornbluth
Harcourt Science
HSP
Harcourt Science
HSP
Dar Tellum: stranger from a distant planet.
James R. Berry
Dar Tellum: stranger from a distant planet.
James R. Berry
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 087054070X
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Arkham House Publishers
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction