Ransom
Jon Cleary
Ransom
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jon Cleary
The text is written at a 6th 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
Sirens wail as Inspector Scobie Malone races through the crowded streets of New York City. A child has been kidnapped, and every second counts. But just when he thinks he's close to a breakthrough, a shocking twist changes everything.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery features Inspector Scobie Malone as he investigates a kidnapping in New York City. Suitable for ages 9-12, it combines suspense with problem-solving, though some tension and mild peril are present. Parents should note the story's focus on crime and investigation within an urban setting.
Why we rated Ransom 11LE
Ransom is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ransom works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Ransom as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Ransom explores mystery, police procedural, and adventure — 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 mystery, police procedural, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 0002216949
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction