Terrorist File
Amanda Howard
Terrorist File
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Lockerbie Investigation
by Amanda Howard
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Did you know a plane once exploded high in the sky over Scotland? Secret detectives worked for months, piecing together clues hidden in tiny bits of the wreckage to catch the bad guys—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This narrative nonfiction book introduces young readers (ages 5-8) to the investigation of the 1988 Lockerbie plane bombing. It explains forensic science techniques used by investigators in a clear, age-appropriate manner, supporting early readers and those struggling with reading. Parents should note the serious subject matter involving terrorism and crime, presented sensitively without graphic detail.
Why we rated Terrorist File 7ME
Terrorist File is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Terrorist File works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Terrorist File as 7ME ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Terrorism, Crime Investigation.
Thematically, Terrorist File explores law & crime, forensic science, juvenile nonfiction, europe, and mystery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about law & crime, forensic science, juvenile nonfiction.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
7ME — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Terror in the skies
Amanda Howard
Terror in the skies
Amanda Howard
The terrorist
Caroline B. Cooney
The terrorist
Caroline B. Cooney
Terrorism (Criminal Investigations)
Ben Malisow
Terrorism (Criminal Investigations)
Ben Malisow
The Attack Against the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (Terrorist Attacks)
Amanda Ferguson
The Attack Against the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (Terrorist Attacks)
Amanda Ferguson
Terrorist groups
Michael Burgan
Terrorist groups
Michael Burgan
Terror run
William MacKellar
Terror run
William MacKellar
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781597165525
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Bearport Publishing
- Published
- July 31, 2007
- Type
- Nonfiction