The stowaway solution
Gordon Korman
The stowaway solution
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gordon Korman
The text is written at a 4th 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
Aiden and Meg Falconer sprint through the pouring rain, the shadow of a ruthless killer closing in fast. Waves crash wildly as they race toward a creaky boat, their only hope to outrun danger by sea. But just as they push off, a monstrous storm looms on the horizon—will they escape, or will the chase end here?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows siblings Aiden and Meg Falconer as they evade a dangerous pursuer. The story combines suspenseful action with themes of bravery and quick thinking, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and tense moments but no graphic content.
Why we rated The stowaway solution 9MP
The stowaway solution is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 149 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The stowaway solution works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The stowaway solution as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from 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 stowaway solution explores mystery, adventure, and family — 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, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780439943895
- Pages
- 149
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction