Shalamar Code
Mary Louise Clifford
Shalamar Code
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary Louise Clifford
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if you discovered a secret so big it could change everything you know about your family and your country? Imagine two friends caught in a web of spies and danger, trying to stop a shadowy figure from tearing their world apart. Can Mumtaz and Rashid protect those they love before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Shalamar Code follows fifteen-year-olds Mumtaz and Rashid as they navigate political intrigue and the dangers of drug trafficking in Pakistan after an attempt to stop a spy threatens their safety and stability. This novel is suitable for teens aged 13-18 and explores complex social issues including loyalty, trust, and the impact of political corruption. Parents should note the presence of mature themes such as espionage and drug-related crime, handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Shalamar Code 9ME
Shalamar Code is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Shalamar Code works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Shalamar Code as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, 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 moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Shalamar Code explores modern fiction, social issues, emotions & feelings, spies, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about modern fiction, social issues, emotions & feelings.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780738709345
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- Llewellyn Worldwide
- Published
- September 1, 2006
- Type
- Fiction