The bomb that could lip-read
Donald Seaman
The bomb that could lip-read
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Donald Seaman
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
The countdown is ticking, and every second feels louder than the last. A mysterious bomb hides a secret, and only someone who can lip-read can stop it. But will they uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows a young protagonist who must decipher silent clues to prevent a dangerous bomb from exploding. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers suspenseful but age-appropriate tension without graphic content. Themes of problem-solving and bravery are woven throughout the story.
Why we rated The bomb that could lip-read 11ME
The bomb that could lip-read is written at a Level 6 reading level across 263 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The bomb that could lip-read works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The bomb that could lip-read as 11ME ("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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, The bomb that could lip-read explores mystery, adventure, problem-solving, and bravery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, problem-solving.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0812816870
- Pages
- 263
- Publisher
- Scarborough House
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction