Target
Chris Bradford
Target
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Chris Bradford
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
Here’s a secret: Charley Hunter isn’t just a surfing champ—she’s also a bodyguard for a famous rock star. But protecting Ash Wild turns out to be way more dangerous than she ever imagined, with threats lurking in every shadow. And that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Target follows Charley Hunter, a teenage surfing champion who becomes a bodyguard for a rock star facing serious threats during his US tour. The story includes suspenseful moments and mild peril appropriate for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, with themes of responsibility and bravery. Parents should note the presence of death threats and some tense scenes, but no graphic content.
Why we rated Target 11MP
Target is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Target works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Target as 11MP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Target explores adventure, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781536430424
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Philomel Books
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction