Chuck Dugan is AWOL
Eric Chase Anderson
Chuck Dugan is AWOL
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel - With Maps
by Eric Chase Anderson
The text is written at a 6th 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
Chuck Dugan isn’t your average midshipman—he’s about to uncover a secret that could change everything. On his 18th birthday, a mysterious letter lands in his hands, revealing a treasure map that promises adventure and danger. What he decides to do next will test his courage and loyalty like never before.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Chuck Dugan, a young midshipman who receives a surprising letter and treasure map on his 18th birthday, setting him on a path of adventure and self-discovery. Themes include family dynamics, absence, and the challenges of growing up, with content appropriate for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the story involves elements of mystery and moderate suspense but no graphic content.
Why we rated Chuck Dugan is AWOL 11LE
Chuck Dugan is AWOL is written at a Level 6 reading level across 223 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chuck Dugan is AWOL works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Chuck Dugan is AWOL as 11LE ("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, Chuck Dugan is AWOL explores adventure, family, coming of age, treasure hunt, and military life — 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 adventure, family, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780811839204
- Pages
- 223
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction