Touch and go
Josephine Poole
Touch and go
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Story of Suspense
by Josephine Poole
The text is written at a 4th 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
Waves crash against the cliffs as two friends sneak through the shadows near the Naval college. Suddenly, they spot something suspicious—a hidden plan that could change everything. But can they stop it before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows two children on a coastal vacation who accidentally discover a dangerous plot involving the nearby Naval college. The story offers suspense and adventure suitable for ages 9-12, with themes of bravery and problem-solving. There is mild peril but no graphic content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in detective stories.
Why we rated Touch and go 9LP
Touch and go is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 169 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Touch and go works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Touch and go as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Touch and go explores mystery, adventure, and friendship — 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, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
- 0060247584
- Pages
- 169
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction