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Silverfin (Young Bond)

C. Higson

Cover of Silverfin (Young Bond)

Silverfin (Young Bond)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by C. Higson

Reading Level 4-5 9MP Ages 13+ Matched

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

James slips through the shadows of a misty Scottish lake, heart pounding as danger lurks beneath the surface. Just as he spots a mysterious figure, a chilling splash echoes across the water. What secret is waiting to be uncovered in the dark?

Quick Assessment

Silverfin introduces readers to a young James Bond as he begins boarding school and stumbles into his first thrilling espionage adventure. Suitable for ages 13 to 18, this prequel combines mystery and action with moderate suspense. Parents should note some scenes involve mild peril and suspenseful moments typical of spy stories.

Why we rated Silverfin (Young Bond) 9MP

Silverfin (Young Bond) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Silverfin (Young Bond) works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Silverfin (Young Bond) as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, Silverfin (Young Bond) explores mystery, espionage, adventure, 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about mystery, espionage, adventure.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9MP — Moderate — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

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
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

ISBN
9781417728343
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
April 2005
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesBahamasBond, JamesBritishIntelligence Officers