On the Run
Gina Hall, Gregg Hill
On the Run
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gina Hall, Gregg Hill
The text is written at a 8th 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
Sirens blare as Gregg and Gina sprint through dark streets, hearts pounding. Their dad, once a gangster, is now their biggest danger, and every shadow could be a mobster waiting to strike. Just when they think they’ve found safety, a new threat closes in—what will they do next?
Quick Assessment
This gripping middle-grade novel shares the true story of children living in the FBI Witness Protection Program after their father, a former gangster, turns informant. It explores themes of family, fear, and survival as the siblings navigate constant danger and emotional turmoil. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mature themes like crime and violence handled thoughtfully but may require parental guidance due to its intense subject matter.
Why we rated On the Run 12IE
On the Run is written at a Level 8 reading level across 400 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, On the Run works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate On the Run as 12IE ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Crime, Violence, Drug Use, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, On the Run explores family, crime, survival, witness protection, and cultural — 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, crime, survival.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — 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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781784759490
- Pages
- 400
- Publisher
- Arrow
- Published
- 2017-11-02
- Type
- Nonfiction