The interrogation
Thomas H. Cook
The interrogation
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas H. Cook
The text is written at a 7th 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
There’s a secret behind the cold walls of the interrogation room—Albert is accused of something no one can talk about. No witnesses, just silence and questions that cut deep. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction centers on a young boy named Albert who faces intense police questioning about a serious crime with no witnesses. The story explores themes of innocence, justice, and truth, appropriate for ages 9-12, though parents should note the mature nature of the subject matter involving crime and police interrogation.
Why we rated The interrogation 12ME
The interrogation is written at a Level 7 reading level across 317 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The interrogation works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The interrogation as 12ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Police Interrogation, Crime Accusation.
Thematically, The interrogation explores mystery, justice, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, justice, family.
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
12ME — 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
- 1587241994
- Pages
- 317
- Publisher
- Wheeler Publishing, Incorporated
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction