America, lost & found
Anthony Bailey
America, lost & found
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An English Boy's Wartime Adventure in the New World
by Anthony Bailey
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 would you do if your whole world suddenly changed because of a war? Imagine leaving your home in England and living with a new family across the ocean in Ohio. How do you find your way back after years away?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book recounts the author's childhood during World War II, focusing on his evacuation from England to Ohio and eventual return. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of displacement, family, and resilience with gentle historical context. Parents should note the backdrop of war, though the story handles it in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated America, lost & found 9LE
America, lost & found is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 159 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, America, lost & found works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate America, lost & found as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, America, lost & found explores family, coming of age, historical, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, historical.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0226034550
- Pages
- 159
- Publisher
- University of Chicago Press
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Nonfiction