Atalanta
Priscilla Galloway
Atalanta
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Fastest Runner in the World
by Priscilla Galloway
Illustrated by Normand Cousineau
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Atalanta races through the forest, her feet pounding the earth like thunder. Golden apples fly past her in a blur, slowing her just enough. Can she outrun the trickery waiting around the next bend?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This retelling of the Greek myth of Atalanta follows a brave young woman who uses her incredible speed to face challenges and outwit her pursuers. Suitable for teens, the story explores themes of determination, cleverness, and the consequences of competition, with mild mythical peril but no graphic content.
Why we rated Atalanta 8LP
Atalanta is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Atalanta works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Atalanta as 8LP ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Atalanta explores myth & legend, adventure, coming of age, and family — 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 myth & legend, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781550374636
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Annick Press
- Published
- June 1, 1995
- Type
- Fiction