Secret Pledge
John Erickson
Secret Pledge
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Erickson
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: Hank is the top dog at keeping the ranch safe, but there’s one mystery he can’t solve—why won’t Miss Beulah notice him? When her bird dog Plato goes missing in the wild, Hank faces a tough choice that could change everything. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Hank, the self-proclaimed head of ranch security, as he navigates loyalty and friendship on a ranch setting. The story explores themes of rivalry, moral choices, and animal companionship, suitable for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the mild suspense involving a lost dog and the ethical dilemma Hank faces.
Why we rated Secret Pledge 9LE
Secret Pledge is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 117 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Secret Pledge works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Secret Pledge 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, Secret Pledge explores dogs, ranch life, friendship, moral choices, and animal adventure — 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 dogs, ranch life, friendship.
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
1/10A 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
- 9781518240676
- Pages
- 117
- Publisher
- Maverick Books, Incorporated
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction