Plan
H. L. Dube
Plan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Set 1
by H. L. Dube
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Sirens wail as Steve Sharp slips through the shadows, the cops closing in fast. He has to find Jo before it's too late, but Big John is waiting in the dark. Can Steve pull off his daring plan, or will everything fall apart?
Quick Assessment
This book follows Steve Sharp, an Afro-Caribbean detective navigating a world of organized crime and danger. Written with simple, decodable vocabulary and short sentences, it is designed for older struggling readers aged 12 and up, with a reading level suitable for ages 5 to 7. The story contains themes of crime and suspense but is presented in a way accessible to early readers.
Why we rated Plan 7MP
Plan is written at a Level 2 reading level across 36 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Plan works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Plan as 7MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Plan explores mystery, adventure, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, multicultural.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781841674353
- Pages
- 36
- Publisher
- Steve Sharp
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction