Private games
James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
Private games
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
The text is written at a 6th 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
As the 2012 London Olympics approach, a top investigation agency is tasked with protecting thousands of athletes from across the globe. When a high-level official is suddenly murdered, a resourceful detective and a determined reporter race against time to unmask a cunning adversary bent on sabotaging the entire event. Suspense and thrilling twists unfold amid the glittering backdrop of the world's greatest sporting stage.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, realistic violence. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Private games 11MP
Private games is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 262 pages (approximately 78,835 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.6 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Private games works for readers up to grade 8.6.
Read aloud, Private games runs about 8.8 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Private games as 11MP ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Realistic Violence.
Thematically, Private games explores adventure, mystery, sports, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, mystery, sports.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 2 more books in the Private (Little, Brown) series.
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
11MP — 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
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Private (Little, Brown) Series
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316206822
- Pages
- 262
- Publisher
- Little, Brown
- Published
- 2012-02
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 78,835
- Read-Aloud
- ~8h 46m
- Text Density
- Dense