The gold bug of Farrow Point
Jack R. Pyle
The gold bug of Farrow Point
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a young-adult novel
by Jack R. Pyle
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
What if a simple game held a secret no one was meant to find? Two siblings stumble upon a puzzling message that promises adventure but hides danger. Will their curiosity unlock treasure—or unleash trouble?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows two siblings as they decode a cryptic message tied to smuggling activities in Florida. Suitable for ages 9-12, it blends adventure with mild suspense, emphasizing family bonds and problem-solving. The story contains light peril but no graphic content.
Why we rated The gold bug of Farrow Point 9LE
The gold bug of Farrow Point is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 130 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The gold bug of Farrow Point works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The gold bug of Farrow Point 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 gold bug of Farrow Point explores brothers and sisters, mystery, adventure, smuggling, and family — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about brothers and sisters, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
- 1887905782
- Pages
- 130
- Publisher
- Pyle-Reese Book Account
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction