HootRated mascot HootRated

Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels)

Anne E. Schraff

Cover of Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels)

Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Anne E. Schraff

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What if the secrets lurking next door were more dangerous than you ever imagined? Ric stumbles upon a mysterious grave and a man badly hurt in an alley, but these chilling discoveries are only the start. Can he uncover the truth before the terror closes in?

Quick Assessment

This suspenseful young adult novel follows Ric as he uncovers unsettling mysteries in his neighborhood, including a hidden grave and a violent attack. Suitable for readers aged 13-18, the story explores themes of danger and courage without graphic content. Parents should note the presence of suspense and mild peril consistent with the genre.

Why we rated Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels) 9ME

Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 137 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels) as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — 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, Like Father, Like Son (Passages to Suspense Hi: Lo Novels) explores suspense, mystery, adventure, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Kids drawn to stories about suspense, mystery, adventure.

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

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

137 pages
ISBN
9780780765290
Pages
137
Publisher
Passages Novels
Published
August 1997
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

SuspenseMysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesYoung Adult FictionGhostsHispanic Americans