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Dance for the land

Clemence McLaren

Cover of Dance for the land

Dance for the land

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Clemence McLaren

Reading Level 4-5 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

When twelve-year-old Kate, who is half-white, moves to Hawaii with her brother and father, she becomes a victim of racial prejudice but also learns the meaning of her middle name.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Dance for the land Level 0

Dance for the land is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 153 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dance for the land works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Dance for the land as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

153 pages
ISBN
0689823932
Pages
153
Publisher
Atheneum Books
Published
1999
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Moving, HouseholdPrejudicesFamily LifeHawaiiHousehold MovingMovingHousehold

Places

Hawaii