Numbering the crime
Kenneth McIntosh
Numbering the crime
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Forensic Mathematics
by Kenneth McIntosh
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
Jessa's heart races as she quietly opens the door to a stranger—just this once. Suddenly, everything spins out of control, and she's trapped in a dangerous game where every second counts. Can her friends solve the clues fast enough to save her?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Jessa Carter as she faces a terrifying kidnapping while her friends use forensic mathematics to track her down. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines thrilling adventure with educational elements about crime-solving techniques. Parents should note the presence of kidnapping and peril, handled in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Numbering the crime 9ME
Numbering the crime is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Numbering the crime works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Numbering the crime 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Numbering the crime explores mystery, forensic sciences, friendship, and adventure — 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, forensic sciences, 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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781422202579
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Mason Crest Publishers
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction