A Friend Indeed
Mary Ann Short
A Friend Indeed
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mary Ann Short
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp crackle of dragon wings fills the icy air as Lucas steps into a world no human has ever seen. Surrounded by mighty dragons and mysterious creatures, he must find courage in a land where danger lurks in every shadow. What will it take for a lonely boy to become a hero among legends?
Quick Assessment
This young adult fantasy novel follows Lucas Winters, an orphan boy who discovers a hidden world inhabited by dragons and magical creatures. As he confronts dangerous foes and seeks acceptance, the story explores themes of bravery, belonging, and self-discovery. Suitable for teens, the book contains fantasy violence but emphasizes emotional growth and resilience.
Why we rated A Friend Indeed 9ME
A Friend Indeed is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Friend Indeed works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate A Friend Indeed 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 Friend Indeed explores fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship, and coming of age — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, friendship.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781585000265
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- 1st Books Library
- Published
- July 1999
- Type
- Fiction