Out of control
G. Gordon Liddy
Out of control
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by G. Gordon Liddy
The text is written at a 7th 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 click of a gun echoes through a shadowy room, mixing with the cold smell of steel and secrets. Richard Rand, a secret agent with a past, races through cities from Washington to snowy Switzerland, chasing a spy who might be more dangerous than he ever imagined. But when the enemy might be closer than he thinks, what will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Out of Control is a middle-grade thriller about espionage, loyalty, and betrayal, following CIA agent Richard Rand as he undertakes a dangerous mission against a Soviet spy. The story involves suspenseful action scenes and complex themes of trust and deception, suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy intense, fast-paced fiction. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and themes of espionage violence, but the content remains appropriate for middle-grade audiences.
Why we rated Out of control 12ME
Out of control is written at a Level 7 reading level across 305 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Out of control works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Out of control as 12ME ("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, thematic difficulty — 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, Out of control explores adventure, espionage, thriller, friendship, and family — 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 adventure, espionage, thriller.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
- 0312590652
- Pages
- 305
- Publisher
- St. Martin's Press
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction