Burn
Elissa Sussman
Burn
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elissa Sussman
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of smoke fills the air as Elanor sneaks through the shadowy forest, her heart pounding with every step. Secrets whisper in the wind, and danger lurks close behind. Can she keep her past hidden while fighting to save her future?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Burn is a middle-grade fantasy novel blending elements of magic and fairy tales with a dystopian backdrop. It follows Elanor, a brave young girl with a troubled past, as she joins rebels to overthrow a wicked queen. The story contains complex themes including child abandonment, abuse, and loss, making it suitable for mature readers aged 9-12 who can handle emotionally intense content.
Why we rated Burn 11IE
Burn is written at a Level 6 reading level across 257 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Burn works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Burn as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Abandonment, Child Abuse, Animal Death, Stalking, Alcohol Abuse.
Thematically, Burn explores magic, secrets, fairy tales, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about magic, secrets, fairy tales.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780062274595
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- Greenwillow Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction