A map of the world
Jane Hamilton
A map of the world
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jane Hamilton
The text is written at a 8th 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
Splash! The water closes over a child's head in the quiet pond where they were supposed to be safe. Alice Goodwin watches, frozen, as everything changes in an instant. What will happen to the Goodwin family now?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the tragic drowning of a neighbor's child under Alice Goodwin's care and its lasting effects on the Goodwin family. Set against a Midwest farm backdrop, it sensitively addresses themes of loss and grief appropriate for ages 9-12, though parents should be aware of the emotional weight of the story.
Why we rated A map of the world 12IE
A map of the world is written at a Level 8 reading level across 574 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A map of the world works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate A map of the world as 12IE ("Intense — 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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Drowning, Child Death.
Thematically, A map of the world explores family, loss & grief, farm life, and middle west — 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 family, loss & grief, farm life.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0783811896
- Pages
- 574
- Publisher
- Macmillan Reference USA
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction