Under Locker and Key (MAX)
Allison K. Hymas
Under Locker and Key (MAX)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Allison K. Hymas
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 the master key to every locker in your school fell into the wrong hands? Imagine all your secrets, snacks, and school supplies suddenly at risk of disappearing! Jeremy, the school’s top retrieval specialist, must team up with his biggest rival to stop a sneaky thief—but can he trust her before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows eleven-year-old Jeremy, who specializes in retrieving stolen items at his school, as he faces a new challenge when the master locker key is stolen. The story explores themes of trust, friendship, and moral choices while delivering action and suspense appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note mild suspense and school-related conflicts but no intense violence or mature content.
Why we rated Under Locker and Key (MAX) 11LP
Under Locker and Key (MAX) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Under Locker and Key (MAX) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Under Locker and Key (MAX) as 11LP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Under Locker and Key (MAX) explores friendship, action & adventure, thrillers & suspense, social themes, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, action & adventure, thrillers & suspense.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9781481463430
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2017-04-18
- Type
- Fiction