The last summer of Mata Hari
Edward Huebsch
The last summer of Mata Hari
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Edward Huebsch
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
Mata Hari wasn’t just a dancer—she was one of the most famous spies of World War I, risking everything in a dangerous game of secrets and lies. Her last summer was filled with mystery, betrayal, and a trial that would change history. Discover why her story still captivates the world today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel explores the dramatic final year of Mata Hari, a Dutch dancer turned alleged spy during World War I. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it delves into themes of espionage, war, and justice with a focus on historical events, making it both educational and engaging. Parents should note the story includes elements of arrest, trial, and execution within the context of wartime intrigue.
Why we rated The last summer of Mata Hari 12ME
The last summer of Mata Hari is written at a Level 7 reading level across 371 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last summer of Mata Hari works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The last summer of Mata Hari 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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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 last summer of Mata Hari explores historical, espionage, women spies, world war i, and adventure — 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 historical, espionage, women spies.
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.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0517533065
- Pages
- 371
- Publisher
- Random House Value Publishing
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction