High voltage
Thomas Chastain
High voltage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas Chastain
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
The city plunges into darkness as power suddenly cuts out everywhere. Max Kauffman races through shadowy streets, chasing clues before the next blackout strikes. But just when he thinks he's close, a shocking discovery turns everything upside down—what will Max do next?
Quick Assessment
High Voltage is a middle-grade action-adventure novel featuring Inspector Max Kauffman as he confronts a gang threatening the city with a series of power blackouts to extort a ransom. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, the story includes suspenseful situations and mild peril but no graphic content. It explores themes of bravery and problem-solving in a fast-paced urban setting.
Why we rated High voltage 11LP
High voltage is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, High voltage works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate High voltage as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, High voltage explores adventure, mystery, and action & adventure — 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 adventure, mystery, action & adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385144377
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction