Lazarus man
John Lutz
Lazarus man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Lutz
The text is written at a 6th 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
Wilson Capp races through the shadowy streets, his heart pounding after six long years behind bars. Every step brings him closer to a secret that could change everything — but someone is watching, waiting to stop him. Suddenly, a chilling whisper cuts through the night: Will Wilson uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Wilson Capp, a boy determined to clear his name and seek justice after being imprisoned for his loyalty to a former president. The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and perseverance, suitable for readers ages 9-12. While it involves suspense and complex themes, the content is appropriate for middle-grade readers without graphic violence or mature content.
Why we rated Lazarus man 11LE
Lazarus man is written at a Level 6 reading level across 228 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lazarus man works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Lazarus man as 11LE ("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, Lazarus man explores mystery, adventure, justice, and friendship — 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, justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0688034683
- Pages
- 228
- Publisher
- William Morrow
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction