Science Fair Sabotage
Brandon Terrell
Science Fair Sabotage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Brandon Terrell
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: someone is sneaking around Fleischman Middle School, wrecking science projects right before the big fair. The Snoops, Inc. team has their magnifying glasses ready, but cracking this mystery is trickier than they thought. And that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows a group of young detectives as they work to uncover who is sabotaging projects at their school science fair. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, the story features diverse characters and encourages problem-solving and teamwork. The content is light in intensity, focusing on friendship and competition without any concerning material.
Why we rated Science Fair Sabotage 9LE
Science Fair Sabotage is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Science Fair Sabotage works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Science Fair Sabotage 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, Science Fair Sabotage explores mystery, friendship, school, science & nature, and family — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, friendship, school.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
2/10A 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
- 9781496543479
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction