Last Thirteen
Phelan, James
Last Thirteen
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Phelan, James
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Sam clutches the mysterious Star of Egypt, heart pounding as shadowy figures close in. Each step in Italy brings him closer to the next Gear of Time—but danger lurks at every turn. What secrets will the next nightmare reveal?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Sam as he races against time and shadowy agents to uncover thirteen powerful artifacts tied to ancient secrets. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends mystery and suspense with fast-paced action, though there are moments of mild peril and tension. The book encourages problem-solving and perseverance, with an extended storyline available online.
Why we rated Last Thirteen 9MP
Last Thirteen is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Last Thirteen works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Last Thirteen as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Last Thirteen explores adventure, mystery, 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 adventure, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781443124836
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Scholastic Canada, Limited
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction