The cobra clash
Jack Patton
The cobra clash
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jack Patton
Illustrated by Bean, Brett, illustrator
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
The sharp hiss of snakes fills the humid air, and the rough bark of ancient trees scratches against your skin as you step into Bug Island’s wild jungle. Every rustle could be a friend—or a foe—waiting to strike in the shadows. What will Max Darwin do when the fate of his friend hangs in the balance?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Max Darwin as he returns to Bug Island to rescue his friend Spike from danger posed by the Reptilian Empire's King Cobra. The story features themes of bravery, friendship, and encounters with snakes and insects, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should be aware of mild peril related to kidnapping and animal-related threats, presented in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated The cobra clash 9LE
The cobra clash is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 121 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The cobra clash works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The cobra clash 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 cobra clash explores adventure, friendship, snakes, kidnapping, and insects — 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 adventure, friendship, snakes.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545791243
- Pages
- 121
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction