Burning for revenge
John Marsden undifferentiated
Burning for revenge
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Marsden undifferentiated
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 crack of gunfire echoes through the burning ruins, smoke stinging your eyes and the acrid smell of fire filling the air. A small group of survivors, hearts pounding and hands trembling, stand ready to fight back against the invaders who took everything from them. But with danger lurking in every shadow, can they find the courage to seek justice even if it means risking everything?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade thriller follows a group of young survivors who confront the harsh realities of war and loss as they plan to take revenge on an invading army. While the story explores themes of courage and resilience, it includes intense scenes of violence and danger that may be unsettling for sensitive readers. Suitable for ages 9-12, parents should be aware of its mature themes and emotional intensity.
Why we rated Burning for revenge 11IE
Burning for revenge is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Burning for revenge works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Burning for revenge 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Loss & Grief, Physical Danger.
Thematically, Burning for revenge explores adventure, survival, thriller, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, survival, thriller.
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 who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780330390705
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Pan Books Limited
- Published
- February 2003
- Type
- Fiction