Taken
Edward Bloor
Taken
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Edward Bloor
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you woke up alone, tied to a stretcher in a stopped ambulance, with no idea why? Charity Meyers has just 12 hours to figure out who took her and what they want before it's too late. But this isn’t any ordinary kidnapping—there’s a secret hidden in the shadows that could change everything.
Quick Assessment
Set in a near-future world where social divides have deepened, this middle-grade science fiction mystery follows Charity Meyers, a privileged girl kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. The story explores themes of social inequality and family dynamics, with some tension and suspense appropriate for ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of peril and kidnapping as central plot elements.
Why we rated Taken 11ME
Taken 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, Taken works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Taken as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Peril.
Thematically, Taken explores mystery, social justice, family, and science & nature — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, social justice, family.
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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Kidnapped!
Kate William
Kidnapped!
Kate William
Stolen children
John Edward Gill
Stolen children
John Edward Gill
Kidnapped
Diane Hoh
Kidnapped
Diane Hoh
The taken girl.
Elizabeth janet Gray
The taken girl.
Elizabeth janet Gray
Kidnapped
Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnapped
Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnappers And Assassins (True Crime)
John Townsend
Kidnappers And Assassins (True Crime)
John Townsend
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440421283
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Published
- December 8, 2009
- Type
- Fiction