Shadow of a broken man
George C. Chesbro
Shadow of a broken man
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by George C. Chesbro
The text is written at a 6th 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 happens when a tiny detective with huge skills takes on the biggest mysteries of New York City? Meet Mongo the Magnificent, a former circus star turned private eye who uses karate and his brilliant mind to solve crimes no one else can. But can he crack the case that hides in the shadows of a broken man?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery introduces Dr. Robert Frederickson, known as Mongo the Magnificent, a dwarf and former circus performer who becomes a private investigator and criminologist in New York. The story combines adventure, mystery, and themes of self-acceptance, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the book involves crime-solving but remains appropriate for middle-grade audiences.
Why we rated Shadow of a broken man 11LE
Shadow of a broken man is written at a Level 6 reading level across 252 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shadow of a broken man works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Shadow of a broken man as 11LE ("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, Shadow of a broken man explores mystery, adventure, friendship, coming of age, and disability representation — 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, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 0671226967
- Pages
- 252
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction