The hunted
Gloria Skurzynski
The hunted
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Mystery in Glacier National Park
by Gloria Skurzynski
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The crunch of leaves underfoot echoes as the Landon family races through Glacier National Park, desperate to find the missing grizzly cubs. Suddenly, a shadow darts between the trees—a scared boy with secrets of his own. Can they uncover the mystery before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows the Landon family as they explore Glacier National Park to solve the disappearance of grizzly bear cubs. Along the way, they encounter a ten-year-old runaway boy, adding depth to the story of wildlife and human challenges. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book handles themes of nature, mystery, and family sensitively.
Why we rated The hunted 9LE
The hunted is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 151 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The hunted works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The hunted as 9LE ("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, The hunted explores mystery, adventure, wildlife, family, and runaway — 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, wildlife.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Missing Grizzly Cubs
Judy Young
Missing Grizzly Cubs
Judy Young
Hunted
Sara Louise Kras
Hunted
Sara Louise Kras
Hunted
C. A. Rainfield
Hunted
C. A. Rainfield
Hunted
N. M. Browne
Hunted
N. M. Browne
Hunted
P. C. Cast
Hunted
P. C. Cast
Bear on the loose!
Hilde Lysiak
Bear on the loose!
Hilde Lysiak
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781426300950
- Pages
- 151
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction