Point of Departure
Laurie Breton
Point of Departure
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurie Breton
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Kaye Winslow steps out to show a fancy new house, but then... she disappears without a trace. Her phone and credit cards are left behind, and a strange man’s body is found nearby. Who could want to hurt Kaye, and where has she gone?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thrilling mystery follows the sudden disappearance of a successful Boston realtor, Kaye Winslow, and the ensuing police investigation uncovering her hidden secrets. Suitable for teens aged 13 and up, the story includes themes of suspense, potential crime, and complex adult relationships. Parents should note some references to crime and implied danger but no graphic content.
Why we rated Point of Departure 12ME
Point of Departure is written at a Level 7 reading level across 377 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Point of Departure works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Point of Departure 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Mystery, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Point of Departure explores mystery, suspense, family, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, suspense, family.
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.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9789993827184
- Pages
- 377
- Publisher
- MIRA
- Published
- October 1988
- Type
- Fiction