The ninth child
Frank Rossavik
The ninth child
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a Nazi mayor's Jewish son : (Nasjonal Samling or National Unity was a fascist party in Norway from 1933 to 1945)
by Frank Rossavik
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Edgar is a boy who survived one of history’s darkest times, even though the man who cared for him once supported the enemy. Imagine living with secrets so heavy they could change everything you thought you knew. This story shows how courage and hope shine brightest in the hardest moments.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows Edgar, a Jewish boy sent to Norway during World War II, who survives the Holocaust while his family tragically perishes. The story explores complex themes such as survival, loyalty, and the moral ambiguity of those around him, including his foster father who was a Nazi supporter. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book sensitively handles difficult historical realities but includes mature themes related to war, loss, and identity.
Why we rated The ninth child 9IE
The ninth child is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 152 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The ninth child works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The ninth child as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Holocaust Themes, Loss & Grief, War & Conflict.
Thematically, The ninth child explores historical, jewish experience, family, survival, and moral complexity — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 historical, jewish experience, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Nine lives
James W. Messerschmidt
Nine lives
James W. Messerschmidt
The Holocaust
Seymour Rossel
The Holocaust
Seymour Rossel
The Lost Childhood
Yehuda Nir
The Lost Childhood
Yehuda Nir
Children During the Nazi Reign
Judith S. Kestenberg, Eva Fogelman
Children During the Nazi Reign
Judith S. Kestenberg, Eva Fogelman
The shadow children
Steven Schnur
The shadow children
Steven Schnur
Children of the Holocaust
Andrea Reiter
Children of the Holocaust
Andrea Reiter
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781490749150
- Pages
- 152
- Publisher
- Trafford Publishing
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Nonfiction