Sitting target.
Laurence Henderson
Sitting target.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurence Henderson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Harry Lomant races through the dark streets, heart pounding, with the police closing in behind him. He's already been found guilty, but now he's set his sights on one last, dangerous target—his wife. Will Detective Sergeant Arthur Milton catch him before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Harry Lomant, a convicted murderer who is on the run and determined to kill his wife. The story explores suspense and the pursuit of justice, featuring tense moments suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the themes of crime and danger, though the depiction is appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Sitting target. 11ME
Sitting target. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 238 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sitting target. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Sitting target. as 11ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Crime, Violence.
Thematically, Sitting target. explores mystery, detective, suspense, and crime — 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 mystery, detective, suspense.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 0245598898
- Pages
- 238
- Publisher
- Harrap
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction