Ransom
by Lois Duncan
Dell 1990
Scobie Malone
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- teamwork
- trust and betrayal
- class and privilege
- survival
- identity under pressure
- resilience
About this book
Five high school students are snatched when their school bus is hijacked and taken into the mountains, where their captors demand ransom from their families. Stranded together, the teens must figure out who to trust and how to stay brave as tensions rise. Fast-paced and suspenseful, this thriller explores how very different kids pull together under pressure. A great pick for readers who like edge-of-the-seat danger without gore.
Setting: a hijacked school bus and a remote mountain hideout in the American Southwest (contemporary to publication)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ransom right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ransom. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include courage, teamwork, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read Ransom?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ransom takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ransom have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ransom has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Ransom?
Ransom has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.