The Long Game
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Long Game
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Fixer Novel
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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
The sharp click of Tess's heels echoes through the marble halls of Hardwicke School, where secrets stick like the scent of expensive perfume. Amid whispered threats and shadowed glances, Tess navigates a world where power is currency and danger lurks beneath every polished surface. But when a deadly mystery unfolds, her steady grip on the game might be the only thing standing between chaos and control.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Tess Kendrick, a skilled problem-solver at an elite Washington D.C. school, as she becomes entangled in a suspenseful plot involving terrorism and murder. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of family, wealth, and high school dynamics with some intense moments that may require parental guidance. The book offers a thrilling yet thoughtful look at complex social issues framed within a high-stakes mystery.
Why we rated The Long Game 12ME
The Long Game is written at a Level 7 reading level across 360 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Long Game works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The Long Game 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, physical peril — 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 Long Game explores schools, families, wealth, high schools, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about schools, families, wealth.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781619635968
- Pages
- 360
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction