HootRated mascot HootRated

The case of the Autumn Rose

Rick Acker

Cover of The case of the Autumn Rose

The case of the Autumn Rose

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Rick Acker

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What happens when two top-notch detectives face their biggest challenge yet? Kirstin and Arthur Davis have solved every locker theft in town, but now an international mystery involving precious pearls pulls them into a tangled web of robbers and secrets. Can they crack the case before it's too late?

Themes

MysteryFamilyChristian lifeAdventureRobbers and outlaws

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade mystery follows siblings Kirstin and Arthur Davis as they tackle an international case involving stolen pearls and dangerous outlaws. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines themes of family, faith, and detective work in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Parents should know it includes mild suspense and positive messages about Christian life and sibling cooperation.

Why we rated The case of the Autumn Rose 9LE

The case of the Autumn Rose is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The case of the Autumn Rose works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The case of the Autumn Rose as 9LE ("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, The case of the Autumn Rose explores mystery, family, christian life, adventure, and robbers and outlaws — 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, family, christian life.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

186 pages
ISBN
0825420040
Pages
186
Publisher
Davis Detective Mysteries
Published
2003
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Robbers and OutlawsPearlsBrothers and SistersChristian LifeMystery and Detective StoriesVietnam1975-Parent and Child

Places

Vietnam