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Ransom

Jon Cleary

Cover of Ransom

Ransom

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jon Cleary

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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.

Themes

MysteryPolice ProceduralAdventure

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 — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

256 pages
ISBN
0002216949
Pages
256
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published
1973
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Malone, ScobiePoliceAustraliaSydneyScobie MaloneMaloneScobie

Places

Sydney (N.S.W.)Australia