Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The doublecross
Jackson Pearce
The doublecross
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
(And Other Skills I Learned as a Superspy)
by Jackson Pearce
The text is written at a 5th 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 if being the least likely spy was actually your greatest secret weapon? Imagine Hale, who’s not the fastest or the strongest, suddenly thrust into a daring mission when his parents vanish into the hands of the evil League. Can he outsmart the enemy and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows twelve-year-old Hale, who, despite not fitting the typical spy mold, embarks on a solo quest to rescue his captured parents from a villainous group known as the League. The story emphasizes themes of ability, courage, and self-discovery, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note that while the book includes suspenseful moments, it remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated The doublecross 10LP
The doublecross is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 810L across 291 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The doublecross works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate The doublecross as 10LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, The doublecross explores ability, adventure and adventurers, missing persons, overweight persons, and fiction — 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 ability, adventure and adventurers, missing persons.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781619634145
- Pages
- 291
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 810L