Fourth Ruby
James R. Hannibal
Fourth Ruby
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James R. Hannibal
The text is written at a 8th 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
Jack’s heart races as sirens wail behind him—he and Gwen have just been framed for stealing the Black Prince’s Ruby, a jewel wrapped in ancient curses. With his dad in a coma and his powers acting up, Jack must race against time to find the other cursed rubies before a mysterious thief does. But can he trust anyone when danger lurks in every shadow?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Jack and Gwen as they face the challenges of being falsely accused of stealing a legendary ruby with a dark history. The story combines elements of fantasy and mystery, exploring themes like family struggles, trust, and the consequences of power. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild peril and complex themes handled in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Fourth Ruby 12ME
Fourth Ruby is written at a Level 8 reading level across 416 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fourth Ruby works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Fourth Ruby 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, physical peril, thematic difficulty — 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, Fourth Ruby explores adventure, family, fantasy world-building, friendship, and mystery — 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, family, fantasy world-building.
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
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
3/10A 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
The Mystery of the Star Ruby
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Mystery of the Star Ruby
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Fourth Bear
Jasper Fforde
The Fourth Bear
Jasper Fforde
Ruby Princess Runs Away
Jahnna N. Malcolm
Ruby Princess Runs Away
Jahnna N. Malcolm
Fourth Horseman
Kate Thompson
Fourth Horseman
Kate Thompson
Missing Dad 4
J. Ryan
Missing Dad 4
J. Ryan
Four of Diamonds
Anthony Horowitz
Four of Diamonds
Anthony Horowitz
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481467148
- Pages
- 416
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction