The Ivy plot
Dayle Courtney
The Ivy plot
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dayle Courtney
The text is written at a 4th 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
What would you do if you stumbled upon a secret Nazi group right in your own town? Sixteen-year-old twins Eric and Alison find themselves face-to-face with danger and mystery at their local university. Can Eric's strong faith guide him as he takes a risky step inside the hidden world?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows sixteen-year-old twins Eric and Alison as they uncover a secret Nazi organization at their local university. The story explores themes of fascism and Christian values while engaging readers in a suspenseful plot suitable for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note that the book deals with historical and political themes that may prompt discussions about morality and courage.
Why we rated The Ivy plot 9ME
The Ivy plot is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Ivy plot works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Ivy plot as 9ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, The Ivy plot explores fascism, christian life, twins, adventure, and mystery — 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 fascism, christian life, twins.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — 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
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
- 0872394697
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Standard Pub.
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction