Scam on the Cam
Clémentine Beauvais
Scam on the Cam
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Clémentine Beauvais
Illustrated by Horne, Sarah, 1979- illustrator
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
Here's a secret: the famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race hides more than just rowing rivalry. Beneath the surface, a mysterious scam is about to unfold, and only the sharpest detective can unravel the truth—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Set against the backdrop of the historic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, this middle-grade mystery weaves a tale of intrigue and adventure. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces readers to rowing culture while engaging them in a clever detective story with age-appropriate themes and language.
Why we rated Scam on the Cam 9LE
Scam on the Cam is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 181 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Scam on the Cam works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Scam on the Cam as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Scam on the Cam explores mystery, sports, 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, sports, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780823436309
- Pages
- 181
- Publisher
- Holiday House
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction