The Ullman code
Robert Bernhard
The Ullman code
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Robert Bernhard
The text is written at a 6th 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
What secrets can a mysterious diary hold? Imagine discovering a hidden code that could reveal a long-lost truth from a brave doctor in a secret uprising during a dark time. But who betrayed the heroes, and will the code finally uncover the answer?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Paul Nomberg, a former cryptanalyst, as he tries to decode a secret diary from a doctor involved in a resistance during a Polish concentration camp. The story involves themes of bravery, betrayal, and historical intrigue, suitable for readers aged 9-12 with an interest in mystery and history. Parents should note the book touches on serious historical events, including the Holocaust, but handles them with sensitivity appropriate for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated The Ullman code 11ME
The Ullman code is written at a Level 6 reading level across 242 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Ullman code works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Ullman code as 11ME ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Historical Atrocity.
Thematically, The Ullman code explores mystery, historical, adventure, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, historical, adventure.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0399114173
- Pages
- 242
- Publisher
- Putnam
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction