The robot ransom
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The robot ransom
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Illustrated by VanArsdale, Anthony, illustrator
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
What if your robotics team was about to win the big regional competition, but someone tried to stop you? Henry and Jessie are determined to crack the mystery and protect their robot from sabotage. Can they uncover the sneaky culprit before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows siblings Henry and Jessie as they navigate a robotics competition threatened by sabotage. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines elements of mystery and teamwork, encouraging problem-solving and cooperation. The book contains no intense content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in STEM and adventure.
Why we rated The robot ransom 9LE
The robot ransom is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 107 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The robot ransom works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The robot ransom 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 robot ransom explores friendship, family, mystery, science & nature, and adventure — 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 friendship, family, mystery.
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
The robot ransom
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The robot ransom
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Robot
Paul E. Watson
Robot
Paul E. Watson
Robotworld
J. J. Gardner
Robotworld
J. J. Gardner
Robots!
R. McGeddon
Robots!
R. McGeddon
Robot War (Mars Diaries)
Sigmund Brouwer
Robot War (Mars Diaries)
Sigmund Brouwer
Robot on the Rampage
R. D. Zimmerman
Robot on the Rampage
R. D. Zimmerman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780807507353
- Pages
- 107
- Publisher
- Random House Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction