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Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline)

Cora Harrison

Cover of Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline)

Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cora Harrison

Reading Level 4-5 9MS 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

What if you had to guard a secret so important it could change history? Mary Ann and Ronan are on a daring mission to protect Daniel O'Connell, who is trying to become the first Catholic Member of Parliament in 1828. But danger lurks everywhere—will they keep him safe and help make history?

Quick Assessment

Set in 1828 Ireland, this historical fiction follows Mary Ann and Ronan as they protect Daniel O'Connell during his campaign to become the first Catholic Member of Parliament. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story introduces young readers to important themes of political change and courage with age-appropriate language and content.

Why we rated Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline) 9MS

Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline) as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Secret Spy from Drumshee (Drumshee Timeline) explores historical, adventure, friendship, 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 historical, adventure, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9MS — Moderate — Social
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
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

2/10

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
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

176 pages
ISBN
9780863279027
Pages
176
Publisher
Wolfhound Press (IE)
Published
September 2003
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

HistoricalEuropeMystery and Detective Stories