The Danger Quotient
Annabel Johnson
The Danger Quotient
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Annabel Johnson
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 sharp scent of burnt metal fills the air as Casey steps out from the cold underground tunnels into a world long past. Every sound echoes with mystery and danger, but he knows the fate of his people depends on what he uncovers. Alone and determined, Casey faces a past that could change the future forever.
Quick Assessment
This science fiction novel follows 18-year-old Casey, a super-genius living in a post-nuclear underground colony, as he travels back to the twentieth century to uncover the cause of a mysterious illness affecting survivors. Suitable for middle-grade readers ages 9-12, the story explores themes of survival and courage with moderate tension but no graphic content. Parents should note the book involves scientific concepts and post-apocalyptic settings that may prompt discussions about history and resilience.
Why we rated The Danger Quotient 11ME
The Danger Quotient is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Danger Quotient works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Danger Quotient 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 Danger Quotient explores science & nature, survival, adventure, 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 science & nature, survival, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780064470292
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Harper Trophy
- Published
- June 1987
- Type
- Fiction