The Fugitive Factor
Gordon Korman
The Fugitive Factor
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gordon Korman
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
Here's a secret: Aiden and Meg Falconer are on the run, but not because they did something wrong. They're hunting for proof that could set their parents free—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows siblings Aiden and Meg Falconer as they navigate the challenges of being fugitives while seeking evidence to prove their parents' innocence. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story involves themes of family loyalty and justice with some suspenseful moments, but it remains appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The Fugitive Factor 9LE
The Fugitive Factor is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 148 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Fugitive Factor works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Fugitive Factor 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 Fugitive Factor explores adventure, family, justice, and siblings — 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, family, justice.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780606338158
- Pages
- 148
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- June 2005
- Type
- Fiction