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The case of the burgled blessing box

Scott Corbett

Cover of The case of the burgled blessing box

The case of the burgled blessing box

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Scott Corbett

Reading Level 4-5 9LS 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.

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About This Book

What happens when all the money from a big church event suddenly disappears? Twelve-year-old Inspector Tearle is on the case, diving into a world of secrets and surprises. Can he uncover who took the missing receipts before it's too late?

Themes

MysteryDetective and Mystery StoriesFriendshipCommunity

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade mystery follows twelve-year-old Inspector Tearle as he investigates the disappearance of receipts from a revivalist religious group. The story is suitable for ages 9-12 and offers an engaging detective narrative with themes of community and problem-solving. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in mysteries.

Why we rated The case of the burgled blessing box 9LS

The case of the burgled blessing box is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 114 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 burgled blessing box works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The case of the burgled blessing box as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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 burgled blessing box explores mystery, detective and mystery stories, friendship, and community — 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 mystery, detective and mystery stories, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LS — Light — Social
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
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

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

114 pages
ISBN
9780316157247
Pages
114
Publisher
Little Brown
Published
1975
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

RevivalsDetective and Mystery StoriesMystery and Detective Stories