The hidden gift
Ian Somers
The hidden gift
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ian Somers
The text is written at a 8th 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
Ross grips the edge of the speeding truck as debris flies past, his mind straining to control the invisible force swirling around him. Hunter shouts urgent commands, but Ross senses danger closing in fast. Suddenly, a shadowy figure blocks their path—what will Ross do next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Ross Bentley as he hones his psychokinetic abilities while embarking on a mission to rescue a kidnapped child with similar powers. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story handles themes of ability and bravery with some suspenseful moments involving peril and action. Parents should be aware of scenes involving kidnapping and mild peril.
Why we rated The hidden gift 12ME
The hidden gift is written at a Level 8 reading level across 460 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hidden gift works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate The hidden gift 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Mild peril.
Thematically, The hidden gift explores ability, adventure, telekinesis, and kidnapping — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about ability, adventure, telekinesis.
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.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781847173089
- Pages
- 460
- Publisher
- Ross Bentley's Hidden Gift
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction