Ruby Raven
Michael Dahl
Ruby Raven
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Dahl
The text is written at a 4th 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
Finn grips the edge of the hotel bed, eyes wide as a cobra slides silently across the floor. Outside, a sudden explosion rattles the windows just moments after they landed in exotic Occo. Who wants to stop Uncle Stoppard from winning the Ruby Raven—and what dangers await next?
Quick Assessment
Ruby Raven follows young Finn and his uncle, a mystery writer nominated for a prestigious award, as they encounter puzzling and dangerous events during their trip to Occo. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this mystery includes suspenseful scenes with mild peril but no graphic content. The story encourages critical thinking and problem-solving while exploring themes of adventure and family.
Why we rated Ruby Raven 9LP
Ruby Raven is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ruby Raven works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ruby Raven as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Ruby Raven explores mystery, adventure, family, friendship, and coming of age — 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, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416986669
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Simon Pulse
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction