Phantom of Venice
Carolyn Keene
Phantom of Venice
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carolyn Keene
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
There’s a secret hiding beneath the shimmering canals of Venice—a famous glassblower has vanished without a trace, and an artist has disappeared too. Nancy’s about to uncover clues that nobody else can see, but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Nancy Drew journeys to Venice to solve the mysterious kidnappings of a renowned glassblower and an artist. This middle-grade mystery blends adventure with mild suspense, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. The story contains themes of friendship, problem-solving, and cultural exploration without intense content.
Why we rated Phantom of Venice 9LE
Phantom of Venice is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Phantom of Venice works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Phantom of Venice as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Phantom of Venice explores mystery, adventure, friendship, and cultural exploration — 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, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The mystery of the winged lion
Carolyn Keene
The mystery of the winged lion
Carolyn Keene
The ghost of Blackwood Hall
Carolyn Keene
The ghost of Blackwood Hall
Carolyn Keene
Hidden meanings
Carolyn Keene
Hidden meanings
Carolyn Keene
Mystery of the Missing Millionairess
Carolyn Keene
Mystery of the Missing Millionairess
Carolyn Keene
The Paris connection
Carolyn Keene
The Paris connection
Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew ghost stories
Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew ghost stories
Carolyn Keene
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442498815
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction