HootRated mascot HootRated

Burning Bones (Body of Evidence)

Nancy Holder

Cover of Burning Bones (Body of Evidence)

Burning Bones (Body of Evidence)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Nancy Holder

Reading Level 6-7 11ME Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What if people suddenly burst into flames with no warning? Jenna Blake and Slick watch in shock as two victims are burned alive right before their eyes, with no clues to explain the terrifying mystery. But when another fire strikes closer to home, can they uncover the truth before it's too late?

Quick Assessment

This young adult mystery follows Jenna Blake and her partner as they investigate a baffling series of spontaneous human combustions. The story blends elements of science and the supernatural, exploring themes of belief and danger. Suitable for teens, it contains suspenseful scenes and some intense moments but no graphic content.

Why we rated Burning Bones (Body of Evidence) 11ME

Burning Bones (Body of Evidence) is written at a Level 6-7 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Burning Bones (Body of Evidence) works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate Burning Bones (Body of Evidence) 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Burning Bones (Body of Evidence) explores mystery, adventure, science & nature, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, science & nature.

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 — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

ISBN
9780613731164
Publisher
Turtleback
Published
February 2001
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective StoriesYoung Adult Fiction