Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies
Jordan Jacobs
Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jordan Jacobs
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Samantha races through the twisting corridors of an ancient labyrinth, heart pounding as shadows flicker on the walls. Every step could reveal a hidden trap or the secret to a long-lost treasure. Suddenly, a mysterious voice whispers from the darkness—who can she trust?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Samantha Sutton, a young explorer navigating ancient labyrinths filled with secrets and dangers. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines elements of mystery and archaeology without intense violence or mature themes. It encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and courage in the face of challenges.
Why we rated Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies 11LP
Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 940L across 354 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies works for readers up to grade 8.5.
We rate Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Samantha Sutton and the labyrinth of lies explores adventure, mystery, friendship, coming of age, and historical — 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 adventure, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781402275609
- Pages
- 354
- Publisher
- Sourcebooks Fire
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 940L