Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Vanishing act
John Feinstein
Vanishing act
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Mystery at the U.S. Open
by John Feinstein
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
Here's a secret: a top tennis player has vanished without a trace right in the middle of the U.S. Open. Eighth-graders Susan Carol and Stevie are on the case, digging deep into a mystery that’s bigger than a missing match. But that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows two young reporters as they investigate the disappearance of a tennis star during the U.S. Open. It's appropriate for ages 9-12 and combines sports excitement with a suspenseful mystery, without graphic content or mature themes.
Why we rated Vanishing act 11LE
Vanishing act is written at a Level 6 reading level across 279 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Vanishing act works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Vanishing act 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, Vanishing act explores friendship, adventure, sports, and mystery — 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 friendship, adventure, sports.
- ✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Vanishing act carries an award.
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
4/10A 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
- 9780375835926
- Pages
- 279
- Publisher
- A. A. Knopf
- Published
- 2006
- Type
- Fiction