Talon
James Coltrane
Talon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel of Suspense
by James Coltrane
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: a satellite that's supposed to watch over Nepal is sending back lies. A clever computer analyst in the CIA spots the trick and starts digging deeper, uncovering mysteries hidden in plain sight. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Talon follows a CIA computer analyst who discovers tampering in satellite imagery over Nepal, leading to a suspenseful investigation. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it blends mystery and thriller elements with a focus on technology and intrigue. The story involves no graphic content but does include themes of espionage and deception.
Why we rated Talon 11LE
Talon is written at a Level 6 reading level across 202 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Talon works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Talon as 11LE ("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, Talon explores mystery, thriller, suspense, technology, and espionage — 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, thriller, suspense.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780672523915
- Pages
- 202
- Publisher
- Bobbs-Merrill Company
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Fiction