Ransacker
Emmy Laybourne
Ransacker
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Emmy Laybourne
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if you suddenly discovered you had a powerful gift that could find gold hidden deep underground? Imagine living in 1886 Montana, where your secret could make you rich—or put you and your family in grave danger. When betrayal hides behind every smile, can you trust anyone with your incredible power?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set in 1886 Montana, this young adult novel follows 16-year-old Sissel Hemstad, who discovers she has a supernatural ability to locate precious metals. As she navigates deception and threats from those seeking to control her gift, the story explores themes of trust, family, and survival. Suitable for teens 13 and older, it contains elements of suspense and mild peril typical of historical fantasy fiction.
Why we rated Ransacker 12MP
Ransacker is written at a Level 8 reading level across 448 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ransacker works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Ransacker as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Betrayal.
Thematically, Ransacker explores young adult fiction, historical, fantasy world-building, family, and trust — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about young adult fiction, historical, 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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250134141
- Pages
- 448
- Publisher
- Feiwel & Friends
- Published
- Jan 29, 2019
- Type
- Fiction