Dead man's hand
Jan Burchett
Dead man's hand
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jan Burchett
Illustrated by Hartas, Leo, illustrator
The text is written at a 4th 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 you suddenly found yourself aboard a pirate ship sailing the Caribbean Sea? Sam discovers a creepy skeletal hand clutching an ancient relic hidden among glittering treasure. But when others start chasing the same prize, can Sam unlock the secrets and claim the fortune before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Sam as he is mysteriously transported back in time to a pirate ship where he uncovers a skeletal hand holding an ancient relic. The story combines elements of mystery and historical fantasy with themes of bravery and problem-solving. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book features mild peril and suspense but no graphic content.
Why we rated Dead man's hand 9LP
Dead man's hand is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 139 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dead man's hand works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Dead man's hand as 9LP ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Dead man's hand explores adventure, pirates, mystery, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, pirates, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9781444007701
- Pages
- 139
- Publisher
- Orion Children's
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction