Burned
Rick Bundschuh
Burned
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rick Bundschuh
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 a shark took your arm but you still dreamed of surfing the biggest waves? Fourteen-year-old Bethany faces this challenge with courage and faith as she travels to the beautiful Samoan islands. But when she meets a troubled young man, her biggest test of love and friendship is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Burned continues the inspiring story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who overcomes the loss of her arm to pursue her passion with faith and determination. Set in the Samoan islands, this middle-grade novel explores themes of resilience, Christian faith, and friendship, including the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers positive messages without graphic content.
Why we rated Burned 9LE
Burned is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Burned works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Burned 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, Burned explores people with disabilities, christian life, surfing, friendship, 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about people with disabilities, christian life, surfing.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780310745556
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction