The hearts we sold
Emily Lloyd-Jones
The hearts we sold
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Emily Lloyd-Jones
The text is written at a 7th 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.
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About This Book
The air buzzes with a strange, electric chill, like the night itself is holding its breath. Dee’s world is spinning fast—her home is a mess, and her school might kick her out any day. But then she meets a demon who wants a piece of her heart, and suddenly everything feels both magical and terrifying.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel blends supernatural elements with themes of family struggle and young love. It follows Dee Moreno as she navigates difficult home life and a Faustian bargain with a demon, leading to a suspenseful and emotional journey. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it contains some dark fantasy and mild horror elements that parents should be aware of.
Why we rated The hearts we sold 12ME
The hearts we sold is written at a Level 7 reading level across 384 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hearts we sold works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The hearts we sold as 12ME ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The hearts we sold explores supernatural, family, love, adventure, 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.
- ✓ 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 supernatural, family, love.
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
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
- 9780316314596
- Pages
- 384
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction