The klipfish code
Mary Casanova
The klipfish code
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary Casanova
The text is written at a 6th 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 your home was suddenly not safe and your family had to send you away? Ten-year-old Marit arrives on the island of Godønd, hoping to reunite with her parents who are fighting in the Resistance. But when her aunt disappears and her grandfather stays silent, Marit faces a secret that could change everything—what will she do next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set during World War II, this middle-grade novel follows ten-year-old Marit, who is sent to live with relatives after her family’s home in Norway is bombed. The story explores themes of patriotism, family separation, and the challenges faced by refugees, while incorporating historical facts and a glossary to support understanding. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles the difficult realities of war with sensitivity and age-appropriate detail.
Why we rated The klipfish code 11ME
The klipfish code is written at a Level 6 reading level across 227 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The klipfish code works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The klipfish code as 11ME ("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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The klipfish code explores history, patriotism, families, refugees, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, patriotism, families.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545531542
- Pages
- 227
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction