Badwater 135
Anthony K. Hewson
Badwater 135
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anthony K. Hewson
SportsZone (ABDO); Extreme Sports Events
The text is written at a 5th 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
In the blazing heat of California's Death Valley, brave runners take on an incredible challenge, racing 135 miles through the desert. They face grueling climbs and fierce sunshine, pushing their limits to reach the peak of Mt. Whitney. This thrilling adventure shows courage and determination in the face of nature's toughest tests.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, physical danger. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Badwater 135 10LP
Badwater 135 is written at a Level 5-6 reading level (approximately 2,872 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Badwater 135 works for readers up to grade 7.8.
Read aloud, Badwater 135 takes about 19 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Badwater 135 as 10LP ("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, Physical Danger.
Thematically, Badwater 135 explores adventure, sports, 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.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, sports, survival.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — 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
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781098292331
- Publisher
- SportsZone
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 2,872
- Read-Aloud
- ~19 min