The secret gift
Ian Somers
The secret gift
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ian Somers
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The air tingles with an electric buzz as Ross feels a sudden chill crawl down his spine. Forgotten powers stir beneath his skin, pulling him back into a hidden world where danger lurks just beyond the shadows. When Hunter shows up with a desperate request, Ross must decide if he's ready to face a looming supernatural war — but the cost might be more than he imagined.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel follows Ross, a gifted teen who has distanced himself from a secret society of supernatural individuals but is drawn back when a friend asks for help. The story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the challenges of wielding extraordinary abilities in a world on the brink of conflict. Suitable for ages 13 and up, it contains mild supernatural peril and some emotional tension appropriate for teens.
Why we rated The secret gift 12ME
The secret gift is written at a Level 7 reading level across 354 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The secret gift works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The secret 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The secret gift explores gifted children, young adult fiction, paranormal fiction, adventure, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about gifted children, young adult fiction, paranormal fiction.
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.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The hidden gift
Ian Somers
The hidden gift
Ian Somers
Gift
James Patterson, Ned Rust
Gift
James Patterson, Ned Rust
Gift
Andrea J. Buchanan
Gift
Andrea J. Buchanan
Gifted Ones
Gean Penny
Gifted Ones
Gean Penny
The killing gift
Bari Wood
The killing gift
Bari Wood
Giftwish
Graham Dunstan Martin
Giftwish
Graham Dunstan Martin
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781847176479
- Pages
- 354
- Publisher
- The O'Brien Press
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction