Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont
Jim Averbeck
Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jim Averbeck
Illustrated by Bertozzi, Nick, illustrator
The text is written at a 7th 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 aunt suddenly disappeared from a grand hotel? In 1956 San Francisco, an 11-year-old boy teams up with the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock to uncover secrets lurking behind hidden doors. But can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Set in 1956 San Francisco, this middle-grade mystery follows an 11-year-old boy who enlists the help of Alfred Hitchcock to find his kidnapped aunt. The story combines historical setting with adventurous detective work, featuring some suspenseful moments appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and mystery themes but no graphic content.
Why we rated Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont 12LE
Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont is written at a Level 7 reading level across 398 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont as 12LE ("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, Jim Averbeck presents A Hitch at the Fairmont 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 whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
The Mystery in San Francisco
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Mystery in San Francisco
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Hitch
Jeanette Ingold
Hitch
Jeanette Ingold
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alfred Hitchcock
The Mystery in San Francisco
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Mystery in San Francisco
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Mystery at the Fair
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Mystery at the Fair
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Alfred Hitchcock's sinister spies.
Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock's sinister spies.
Alfred Hitchcock
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442494473
- Pages
- 398
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction