The last treasure
Janet Anderson
The last treasure
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Janet Anderson
The text is written at a 6th 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
Ellsworth races through the streets, heart pounding as a mysterious letter clutches his hand. He’s about to uncover a secret only a child can find—a hidden treasure buried in a green square surrounded by houses he doesn’t even remember. But as shadows from the past awaken, will Ellsworth’s discovery bring hope or stir up old pains?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows thirteen-year-old Ellsworth as he returns to a mysterious family home to uncover a hidden treasure linked to his family's past. The story explores themes of family, secrets, and healing emotional wounds, appropriate for readers ages 9-12. While the narrative contains moments of emotional depth and mystery, it remains suitable for this age group with no intense content warnings.
Why we rated The last treasure 11LE
The last treasure is written at a Level 6 reading level across 257 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last treasure works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The last treasure as 11LE ("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 last treasure explores family, mystery, secrets, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, mystery, secrets.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 0525469192
- Pages
- 257
- Publisher
- Dutton Juvenile
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Fiction