Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Wendelin Van Draanen

Cover of Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Wendelin Van Draanen

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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

Have you ever spotted a thief but no one believes you? Sammy Keyes zooms in with her binoculars, sure she recognizes the sneaky hotel thief, but when she tells the police, they just laugh her off. Will Sammy prove she's right before the thief strikes again?

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade mystery follows seventh grader Sammy Keyes as she tries to solve a hotel theft that the police dismiss. The book blends humor, detective work, and relatable family dynamics, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the story includes themes of trust, friendship, and personal growth, with no inappropriate content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

173 pages
ISBN
9780375890444
Pages
173
Publisher
Yearling
Published
2003
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Mysteries & Detective StoriesHumorous StoriesSocial ThemesFriendshipRobbers and OutlawsMystery and Detective StoriesGrandmothersMysteryRobberyDetective and Mystery StoriesHalloweenReading Level-Grade 5Reading Level-Grade 4Reading Level-Grade 7Reading Level-Grade 6Reading Level-Grade 8Mystery FictionCultural Literacy and Humanities