4
James Phelan
4
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James Phelan
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.
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About This Book
What if the fate of the world rested on finding one special person? Imagine trekking through the mysterious ruins of Angkor Wat, where ancient traps lie in wait. Can Sam find the tenth Dreamer before time runs out?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Sam's adventurous journey to Cambodia to locate the last of the Dreamers, a group central to preventing an apocalyptic event. The story combines elements of mystery, ancient history, and suspense, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and themes of global stakes but overall it remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated 4 9LP
4 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 185 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, 4 works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate 4 as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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, 4 explores adventure, mystery, end of the world, juvenile fiction, and teenagers — 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 adventure, mystery, end of the world.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781610672795
- Pages
- 185
- Publisher
- Kane/Miller Book Publishers
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction