Kith
P. H. Newby
Kith
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by P. H. Newby
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Faulkes steps off the plane in wartime Egypt, only to find a mysterious uncle waiting with secrets and strange smiles. Suddenly, he's sent on a wild chase to find Nadia, a woman who won’t answer any letters. But what will happen when Faulkes gets closer to the truth?
Quick Assessment
Set in 1941 wartime Egypt, this middle-grade novel follows Faulkes, a medical orderly who becomes embroiled in a mysterious and comedic adventure involving his family’s past. The story includes themes of mystery, suspense, and historical setting, with light peril appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the historical context and some suspenseful moments, but overall it is a stylish and intelligent read.
Why we rated Kith 9LE
Kith is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 143 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kith works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Kith as 9LE ("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, Kith explores mystery, historical, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, historical, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0316604208
- Pages
- 143
- Publisher
- Little Brown
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction