Lily takes the field
D. A. Spruzen
Lily takes the field
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by D. A. Spruzen
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Lily slips quietly through the aisles of the bookstore, her heart pounding as a chilling thought crosses her mind—could someone she knows be behind the terrifying disappearances? Suddenly, a frantic call shakes the room: another child has vanished. Lily has to decide what to do next, but danger is closer than she thinks.
Quick Assessment
Lily Takes the Field is a middle-grade mystery that tackles serious topics including child abduction and murder. Suitable for ages 9-12, it follows Lily as she navigates new friendships while confronting frightening dangers in her community. Parents should be aware that the story includes mature themes handled with care but may prompt sensitive discussions.
Why we rated Lily takes the field 9IE
Lily takes the field is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 138 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lily takes the field works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lily takes the field as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Murder, Crimes Against Children.
Thematically, Lily takes the field explores friendship, mystery, family, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, mystery, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780985962869
- Pages
- 138
- Publisher
- CreateSpace
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction