Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2
Jacobs Evan
Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jacobs Evan
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for older middle graders (ages 11+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Dive into a thrilling collection of eerie tales where ghost ships wander the oceans, heroes emerge in surprising ways, and ancient mysteries challenge what we know about technology. Each story is packed with strange events and real-life investigations that make the bizarre feel believable and exciting. Perfect for curious readers who love a mix of adventure and the unexplained!
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 11+.
Why we rated Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 9LE
Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 80 pages (approximately 9,931 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 works for readers up to grade 6.2.
Read aloud, Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 runs about 1.1 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 as 9LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Strange but (Mostly) True, Book 2 explores adventure, mystery, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 11+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, mystery, science & nature.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Strange But (Mostly) True series.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
8/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Strange But (Mostly) True Series
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Strange but true weather
Stacy Davids
Strange but true weather
Stacy Davids
Strange but true science
Stacy Davids
Strange but true science
Stacy Davids
Mysterious Creatures
Catherine Nichols
Mysterious Creatures
Catherine Nichols
Strange doings
R. A. Lafferty
Strange doings
R. A. Lafferty
Seriously Weird True Stories 02 (True Stories S.)
Herbie Brennan
Seriously Weird True Stories 02 (True Stories S.)
Herbie Brennan
Strange Unsolved Mysteries
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Strange Unsolved Mysteries
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781680217025
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Saddleback Educational Publishing, Incorporated
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 9,931
- Read-Aloud
- ~1h 6m
- Text Density
- Light Text