Hostage, London

Geoffrey Household

Cover of Hostage, London

Hostage, London

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Diary of Julian Despard

by Geoffrey Household

Reading Level 4-5 9IP Ages 9-12 Heads Up

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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

What if you found yourself caught in a secret plan that could change everything? Imagine a world where one daring person tries to stop a dangerous bomb hidden in a city full of secrets. Can bravery and friendship save the day before it's too late?

Themes

AdventureSuspenseMoral ComplexityFriendshipComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Hostage, London is a suspenseful middle-grade thriller about a boy named Julian Despard who becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy involving a hidden bomb in London. The story explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the moral struggles faced by those caught in conflict. While appropriate for ages 9-12, parents should note the book includes intense scenes of peril and complex themes related to terrorism and moral choices.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9IP — Intense — Physical
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Intense
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Violence Terrorism Moral Complexity
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

190 pages
ISBN
0718115732
Pages
190
Publisher
Michael Joseph
Published
1977
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Fiction in English