Salvage job
Bill Knox
Salvage job
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bill Knox
The text is written at a 4th 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
What secrets lie beneath the waves when a giant oil tanker gets stuck near a sleepy fishing village? A daring marine insurance inspector and a brave diver dive into danger, but when the diver suddenly dies, everything becomes a puzzle wrapped in mystery. Who is willing to risk everything to get the tanker moving again—and why?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows marine insurance inspector Laird as he investigates the stranded oil tanker 'Craig Michael' near a Portuguese fishing village. The story includes themes of danger and suspense, with a diver’s sudden death and an attempt on Laird’s life. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book features moderate peril and encourages critical thinking through its engaging detective plot.
Why we rated Salvage job 9MP
Salvage job is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 184 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Salvage job works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Salvage job as 9MP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Salvage job explores mystery, adventure, and friendship — 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 who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385146019
- Pages
- 184
- Publisher
- Doubleday Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction