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
Marit’s heart pounds as the Nazis march closer, but her grandfather stays silent. Her aunt has just vanished, taken by the soldiers, and Marit feels the weight of a secret she must protect. Can she find the courage to fight back before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
Set during World War II, this historical fiction follows ten-year-old Marit who is sent to live with her relatives on God² Island after Norway is bombed. As she struggles with the Nazi occupation and her family’s differing responses, Marit discovers bravery and hope. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story includes historical context and a glossary to support understanding.
Why we rated The Klipfish Code 11ME
The Klipfish Code is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 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 — 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 historical, adventure, coming of age, family, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 historical, adventure, coming of age.
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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780618883936
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Published
- September 3, 2007
- Type
- Fiction