HootRated mascot HootRated

Sus

Fay Sampson

Cover of Sus

Sus

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Fay Sampson

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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

The night crackles with tension as the young constable and the sharp WPC pull up to the shadowy street. Whispers fly about who’s really in charge—are they protectors or something more? Suddenly, a secret slips through the crowd, and everything changes.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade suspense novel follows a group of curious and spirited teenagers as they investigate the true nature of the local police force. The story thoughtfully explores themes of authority and trust, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. It offers an engaging narrative without graphic content, making it appropriate for its intended audience.

Why we rated Sus 9LE

Sus is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 153 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Sus works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Sus 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.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, Sus explores friendship, mystery, and coming of age — 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 friendship, mystery, coming of age.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

153 pages
ISBN
9780234722992
Pages
153
Publisher
D. Dobson
Published
October 1982
Type
Fiction