Extracted
Sherry D. Ficklin
Extracted
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sherry D. Ficklin
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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 you could travel back in time to change the past? Lex sneaks into the mysterious Tesla Institute, chasing a chance to save someone he loves. But when he meets Ember, secrets start to unravel—how far will they go to rewrite history?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Extracted follows Lex, a young time traveler determined to prevent his girlfriend's death by uncovering secret technology at the Tesla Institute. Along the way, he meets Ember, who holds surprising truths about their shared past. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this novel blends adventure and science fiction with themes of family and loss, containing some suspenseful moments but no graphic content.
Why we rated Extracted 12ME
Extracted is written at a Level 7 reading level across 310 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Extracted works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Extracted as 12ME ("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 — 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, Extracted explores family, adventure, science & nature, and time travel — 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 family, 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Time trapped
Richard Ungar
Time trapped
Richard Ungar
Redeemed
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Redeemed
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Future shock
Briggs, Elizabeth (Young adult author)
Future shock
Briggs, Elizabeth (Young adult author)
The Time Fetch
Amy Herrick
The Time Fetch
Amy Herrick
Caught
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Caught
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Time Shifters
Kate Frost
Time Shifters
Kate Frost
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781937053680
- Pages
- 310
- Publisher
- Spencer Hill Press
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction