The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints
M. V. Carey
The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by M. V. Carey
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if an artist vanished without a trace, leaving behind only mysterious flaming footprints? Three brave kids decide to solve the puzzling disappearance, diving into a world of secrets and clues. But can they uncover the truth before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows three young investigators as they try to solve the sudden disappearance of a local artist. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story encourages critical thinking and problem-solving without intense content. There are no significant issues in terms of violence or mature themes, making it a safe and engaging choice for young readers.
Why we rated The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints 11LE
The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints is written at a Level 6 reading level across 202 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints explores friendship, mystery, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590303293
- Pages
- 202
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Inc.
- Published
- 1971
- Type
- Fiction