A book of disasters.
Jane Ferguson
A book of disasters.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Ferguson
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The roar of thunder shakes the sky, and the ground trembles beneath your feet. Suddenly, everything you know starts to change in ways you never imagined. These moments when nature turns wild remind us how small we are—and how brave we can be.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores over 60 dramatic instances when ordinary people face the powerful forces of nature. Suitable for ages 9-12, it combines vivid storytelling with accessible language to engage readers while gently introducing them to the awe and unpredictability of natural disasters. The book contains some intense moments but handles them with care appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated A book of disasters. 9ME
A book of disasters. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A book of disasters. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A book of disasters. as 9ME ("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, A book of disasters. explores adventure, science & nature, and survival — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, survival.
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
9ME — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0590700324
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Scholastic Books
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction