The smuggler's secrets
Kathleen Ernst
The smuggler's secrets
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Caroline Mystery
by Kathleen Ernst
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here's a secret: Caroline has uncovered hidden clues about a smuggler helping the British during the War of 1812. The shocking part? The traitor might be someone she trusts—her very own uncle. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
Set during the War of 1812, this middle-grade mystery follows Caroline as she discovers evidence of smuggling that threatens her family's loyalty. The book combines historical fiction with a detective story suitable for ages 9-12, featuring themes of trust, family, and patriotism. An educational essay at the end provides historical context about smuggling during this period, enhancing the learning experience.
Why we rated The smuggler's secrets 11LE
The smuggler's secrets is written at a Level 6 reading level across 215 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The smuggler's secrets works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The smuggler's secrets 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 smuggler's secrets explores mystery, historical, family, 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 mystery, historical, family.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Smuggler's Treasure (American Girl History Mysteries)
Sarah Masters Buckey
The Smuggler's Treasure (American Girl History Mysteries)
Sarah Masters Buckey
Traitor in the shipyard
Kathleen Ernst
Traitor in the shipyard
Kathleen Ernst
Smuggler's Treasure (The Wall #3)
Robert Elmer
Smuggler's Treasure (The Wall #3)
Robert Elmer
The Queen's smuggler
Dave Jackson
The Queen's smuggler
Dave Jackson
The swindler's treasure
Lois Walfrid Johnson
The swindler's treasure
Lois Walfrid Johnson
Secret Mission of William Tuck
Eric Pierpoint
Secret Mission of William Tuck
Eric Pierpoint
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781609589165
- Pages
- 215
- Publisher
- American Girl Publishing Incorporated
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction