Clash
Rick Bundschuh
Clash
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
Bethany is one of the bravest surfers you'll ever meet—she lost her arm to a shark but didn’t let that stop her from chasing waves. With faith as her secret power, she faces every challenge like a true champion. Her story shows that courage and belief can turn even the toughest battles into victories.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction series is inspired by the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who overcame the loss of her arm in a shark attack by relying on her faith and determination. Suitable for ages 9-12, the books explore themes of resilience, friendship, and Christian values in an accessible way. Parents should note the story includes a traumatic injury but handles it with sensitivity and hope.
Why we rated Clash 9LE
Clash 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, Clash works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Clash 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, Clash explores religious - christian, friendship, coming of age, and resilience — 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 religious - christian, friendship, coming of age.
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
1/10A 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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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780310712220
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Zonderkidz
- Published
- April 27, 2007
- Type
- Fiction