The Irving solution
Simon, Leonard
The Irving solution
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Simon, Leonard
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
The phone rings in the middle of the night, and Irving’s heart races as he picks it up. A mysterious voice whispers a secret that could change everything. Suddenly, footsteps echo behind him—who’s there, and what do they want?
Quick Assessment
The Irving Solution is a middle-grade mystery novel suitable for readers aged 9-12. It follows Irving as he unravels a puzzling secret, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. The story contains mild suspense typical of detective fiction but is appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The Irving solution 9LE
The Irving solution is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 191 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Irving solution works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Irving solution 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 Irving solution explores mystery, adventure, and friendship — 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 mystery, adventure, friendship.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0877951586
- Pages
- 191
- Publisher
- Arbor House
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction