That's sneaky!
Crispin Boyer
That's sneaky!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Stealthy Secrets and Devious Data That Will Test Your Lie Detector
by Crispin Boyer
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The sharp scratch of a secret being scribbled down fills the air, and a faint whiff of mystery lingers like a hidden whisper. Imagine uncovering sneaky tricks and clever facts that make you question what's true and what's not. It's a thrilling puzzle where every secret you learn sparks your curiosity — but can you spot the sneaky lies?
Themes
Quick Assessment
That's Sneaky! by Crispin Boyer invites middle-grade readers to explore a collection of clever tricks, surprising facts, and historical curiosities that challenge their perceptions. Designed for ages 9-12, the book blends science and history in an engaging format that encourages critical thinking. Parents should note that the content is playful and educational, with no intense themes or content concerns.
Why we rated That's sneaky! 9C
That's sneaky! is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 176 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, That's sneaky! works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate That's sneaky! as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, That's sneaky! explores science & nature, history, curiosities and wonders, and humor — 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 science & nature, history, curiosities and wonders.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 9781426317835
- Pages
- 176
- Publisher
- National Geographic Kids
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Nonfiction