The Clauberg trigger
Tarrant, John
The Clauberg trigger
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Tarrant, John
The text is written at a 6th 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
The sharp click of a hidden mechanism echoes through the silent room, mingling with the faint scent of old paper and dust. Secrets unravel as every shadow seems to hide a story waiting to explode. What happens when the past suddenly triggers the future?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book follows a suspenseful and thought-provoking story suitable for ages 9-12. It features a literary approach that encourages critical thinking and emotional engagement without graphic content. Parents should note the book’s focus on mystery and emotional depth rather than physical action or social issues.
Why we rated The Clauberg trigger 11LE
The Clauberg trigger is written at a Level 6 reading level across 248 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Clauberg trigger works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Clauberg trigger as 11LE ("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 Clauberg trigger explores mystery, literary fiction, and coming of age — 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, literary fiction, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689109385
- Pages
- 248
- Publisher
- Atheneum Books
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction