Neighbors and Traitors (StarMaker Books)

Carole Duncan Buckman

Cover of Neighbors and Traitors (StarMaker Books)

Neighbors and Traitors (StarMaker Books)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Carole Duncan Buckman

Reading Level 4-5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

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

The sharp scent of pine fills the air as Ray watches his new neighbors from the porch, their laughter mixing with the rustling leaves. Everything feels warm and inviting—until secrets start to unravel, and Ray must decide who to trust when friendship and loyalty collide.

Themes

FriendshipValuesReligious - ChristianSocial Issues

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows fourteen-year-old Ray as he navigates complex friendships after moving next door to a family involved in antigovernment extremism. The story thoughtfully explores themes of trust, betrayal, and values within a Christian context, suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the book deals with social issues and moral dilemmas but contains no graphic content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Emotional: Friendship Emotional: Betrayal Social: Values
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

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

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Details

ISBN
9780613861137
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
July 2000
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Social SituationsValuesReligiousChristianSocial IssuesFriendship