Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
In harm's way
Andrew Clements
In harm's way
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Clements
Illustrated by Stower, Adam, illustrator
The text is written at a 5th 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
What would you do if your school was in danger, and two tricky janitors were always one step behind you? Benjamin Pratt and his friends Jill and Robert are racing against time, with a secret stash of millions to protect. But can their team outsmart the villains before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Benjamin Pratt and his friends as they unite to save their school from closure, facing challenges that include outwitting antagonistic janitors. The story touches on themes of friendship, teamwork, and social responsibility, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. The narrative contains mild suspense and highlights positive problem-solving without intense conflict.
Why we rated In harm's way 10LE
In harm's way is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 880L across 209 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, In harm's way works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate In harm's way as 10LE ("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, In harm's way explores friendship, school stories, social issues, family, and 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, school stories, social issues.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
We the children
Andrew Clements
We the children
Andrew Clements
We hold these truths
Andrew Clements
We hold these truths
Andrew Clements
Benjamin Pratt The Keepers Of The School Fear Itself
Andrew Clements
Benjamin Pratt The Keepers Of The School Fear Itself
Andrew Clements
In a Place of Danger
Paula Fox
In a Place of Danger
Paula Fox
Children in danger
James Garbarino, Nancy Dubrow, Kathleen Kostelny, Carole Pardo
Children in danger
James Garbarino, Nancy Dubrow, Kathleen Kostelny, Carole Pardo
Trouble-maker
Andrew Clements
Trouble-maker
Andrew Clements
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416938897
- Pages
- 209
- Publisher
- Atheneum
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 880L